About the service
The gynaecological oncology service at The James Cook University Hospital provides specialist care for patients diagnosed with cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including ovarian, womb (endometrial), cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers.
The service provides expert care for patients across the region, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.
Understanding gynaecological cancers
There are several different types of gynaecological cancer, each with its own symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment options.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes. If you have any concerns about symptoms or have been referred for further investigations, your healthcare team will explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
For more information, visit:
Diagnosis and treatment
Following diagnosis, your case will be discussed by the multidisciplinary team to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
- Surgery is often the main treatment for many gynaecological cancers. The type of surgery recommended will depend on the type and stage of the cancer
- Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells and may be given before or after surgery, or as the main treatment for some cancers.
- Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Some patients may be offered targeted therapies or immunotherapy depending on the type of cancer and specific tumour characteristics.
Living well during treatment
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before, during and after treatment can help improve recovery and overall wellbeing. This is why prehabiltiation is important.
Patients are encouraged to:
- Stay as physically active as possible
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stop smoking if they smoke
- Limit alcohol intake
- Seek emotional and psychological support when needed
Speak to your healthcare team if you have concerns about treatment side effects, diet, exercise or emotional wellbeing.
Wound care and nutrition
Nutrition and hydration play a key role in optimum wound healing, whether you are a surgical patient or receiving treatments such as chemotherapy/Radiotherapy.
A diet high in protein, vitamins and minerals is essential, as the body requires these specific elements to help repair tissue and prevent infection.
Extra calories are also required for the demands of healing, particularly for large or chronic wounds. Eat small, frequent meals, include protein with every meal, and consider high-calorie, high-protein snacks if able to tolerate.
Smoking cessation
Smoking negatively impacts wound healing and stopping smoking will lessen the risk of a wound infection or chest problems after your anaesthetic.
Smoking can also interact with treatments such as radiotherapy making treatment less effective. More information about a smoking and cancer can be found here.
Treatment-induced Menopause
Treatment-induced menopause occurs when medical interventions used to treat your cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, ovarian surgery, or hormone-blocking treatments, suddenly stop ovarian function, often causing sudden and severe symptoms.
The symptoms can be wide-ranging, and these can be discussed with your Gynae/Oncology team.
Treatment is dependent on the type of cancer you have, whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is appropriate for you or whether a holistic approach to managing your symptoms needs to be adopted.
Support and further information
A diagnosis of cancer can affect many areas of your life. Support is available from your clinical nurse specialist (CNS), healthcare team and local support organisations.
Please speak to your CNS or treatment team for information about:
- Patient support groups
- Financial and practical support
- Emotional wellbeing services
- Rehabilitation and recovery programmes
- National cancer charities and organisations
For further advice and support, please contact your gynaecological oncology team.
Support group
The clinical nurse specialist team lead the Ova the Rainbow support group
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month, 11am to 12.30pm at The Roundel, Thornaby, TS17 9AE.
Please call 01642 282418 / 01642 282419 for further information.
Meet the team
Gynae-Oncology Surgical Team
- Mr Abdulrahman – Consultant gynae-oncology surgeon
- Ms Rajan Babu – Consultant gynae-oncology surgeon
- Ms Mukhopadhyay – Consultant gynae-oncology surgeon
Medical oncology (systemic treatments)
- Dr Mansy – Consultant medical oncologist
- Dr Li – Consultant medical oncologist
Clinical oncology (radiotherapy/chemotherapy)
- Dr Leaning – Consultant clinical oncologist
- Dr Adusumalli – Consultant clinical oncologist
- Claire Powlesland – Advanced clinical practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist Team
- Amy Bint – Clinical nurse specialist
- Jane McNeil – Clinical nurse specialist
- Pamela Shield – Clinical nurse specialist
- Lynne Wright – Clinical nurse specialist
- Joanne Thornton – Support sister
- Sue Heanan – Cancer care coordinator.
Contact number: 01642 282418