Spreading Awareness for Gynecologic Cancer

Each year, approximately 100,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with one of the five main gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, endometrial, vulvar or vaginal. September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and as a Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) designated Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is on the forefront of providing advanced gynecologic care.

In 2020, NGMC Gainesville made history by becoming the first hospital in Georgia to receive accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. SRC, an internationally recognized patient safety organization, recognized NGMC Gainesville for its dedication to delivering safe, effective and evidence-based patient care through its independent, external review process. In 2021, NGMC Braselton was also awarded this prestigious designation.

In honor of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, our team of experienced surgeons would like to encourage patients to:

·        Know the risks: Risk factors for gynecologic cancers include family history, obesity, age and/or HPV.

·        Self-monitor: Signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer include irregular bleeding, bloating, abdominal pain or pressure and/or changes in urination.

·        Talk about it: Discuss risk factors, along with signs and symptoms with your doctor. Early screening, routine appointments and prevention plans may help reduce risk and improve outcomes.

As a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology, NGMC provides care that our patients can trust. Additional Northeast Georgia Health System Center of Excellence accreditations include:

·        Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery: NGMC Gainesville and NCMC Braselton

·        Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery: NGMC Gainesville

·        Center of Excellence in Colorectal Surgery: NGMC Gainesville

Learn more about these accreditations and other advanced surgical treatments at nghs.com/surgery