After treatment for gynecologic cancer, many women face sexual side effects and menopausal symptoms that can impact their daily lives. Dr. Ritu Salani, director of the Gynecologic Oncology Division at UCLA, emphasizes the importance of focusing on survivorship in cancer care. “Patients are living longer; they want to live better,” she says. It’s essential to make survivorship a priority.
UCLA Health’s Gynecologic Oncology Survivorship Program offers tailored support to help women transition after treatment. Many women face emotional stress during their cancer journey, and once treatment ends, they enter a phase of decompressing from that stress. This program provides a survivorship visit to help them understand what they’ve been through and what lies ahead.
These visits cover several aspects, including monitoring signs of recurrence, managing side effects, and discussing overall wellness through diet and exercise. Instead of juggling multiple appointments, women can access everything under one roof, which simplifies their post-treatment experience.
“After finishing cancer care, patients have ongoing needs that aren’t always addressed by their primary cancer team,” Dr. Salani explains. The program aims to create a seamless care experience that includes symptom management and even genetic testing. They also provide counseling services through the Simms Mann/UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology. If patients require specialized care, like seeing a neurologist, the program ensures quick referrals.
Beyond medical support, the program offers engaging activities, like yoga and meditation classes. An event highlighting hair care post-cancer featured a dermatologist and a hairstylist who is also an ovarian cancer survivor, showcasing the blend of expert knowledge and personal experience.
One standout feature is the menopause management program. For women who face sudden menopause due to cancer treatment, this program provides evidence-based practices that allow healthcare providers to discuss hormonal therapy safely and explore other options. Early treatment for menopausal symptoms can significantly improve quality of life. “Patients are noticing a big difference,” Dr. Salani states, highlighting how this unique program is attracting referrals from outside UCLA Health.
Sexual health is another critical area being explored. Collaborating with the radiation oncology team, Dr. Salani’s group is researching optimizing sexual health for women who have undergone radiation for cervical and uterine cancers. “Many younger women face these issues, so maintaining vaginal health is crucial,” she says. The research focuses on hormone support and minimizing treatment-related complications.
Furthermore, Dr. Salani mentions exciting developments involving artificial intelligence to help manage side effects in real time, making it easier for patients to report symptoms and receive support as needed. Additionally, they are looking into cognitive issues, like brain fog, that can arise after treatment. “This affects many patients, and we want to understand better what they are experiencing,” she adds.
As the program evolves, Dr. Salani recognizes the need to continue adapting and addressing new challenges. “When some symptoms improve, new ones can arise,” she notes, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and care development.
UCLA Health’s comprehensive approach to survivorship has garnered interest across the country. “We’re proud to share our model,” Dr. Salani shares. “It requires collaboration and dedication from many people.” By focusing on holistic care, they aim to empower women to thrive after cancer.
