Abstract
Over the past three decades, the number of gynecologic cancer survivors has grown substantially, most notably among women with early-stage disease. Cure of gynecologic cancers is possible with evidence-based and tailored combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The ability to identify genetic predispositions to specific gynecologic malignancies has also positively affected gynecologic cancer survivors. Algorithms have been developed to provide appropriate survivorship care for patients with gynecologic malignancies. Each algorithm is geared toward care of survivors with a specific disease history. Surveillance tests and examinations, as well as risk reduction and early detection strategies, are recommended for survivors of each gynecologic malignancy. Monitoring schedules and testing methods for late effects and psychosocial functioning (including referrals, when appropriate) are also provided. As the field of cancer survivorship develops and the number of gynecologic cancer survivors grows, these algorithms will become increasingly important. Many survivors suffer from long-term cancer- and treatment-related morbidities. We must recognize that the care of survivors extends far past their 5-year survival period, and that some late effects of treatment continue to worsen over time. Additionally, caregiver responsibilities, with subsequent benefits and stressors, must also be further evaluated and supported. The quality of life of each survivor affects and is affected by every member of her team, including her family caregivers.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Suggested Readings
Andrews S. Caregiver burden and symptom distress in people with cancer receiving hospice care. Oncol Nurs Forum 2001;28:1469–1474.
Carmack CL, Basen-Engquist K, Gritz ER. Survivors at higher risk for adverse late outcomes due to psychosocial and behavioral risk factors. CEBP FOCUS Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(1):2068–2077.
Cella DF, Cherin EA. Quality of life during and after treatment. Compr Ther 1988;14:69–75.
Fardell JE, Vardy J, Johnston IN, Winocur G. Chemotherapy and cognitive impairment: treatment options. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2011;90(3):366–376.
Given BA, Sherwood P, Given CW. Support for caregivers of cancer patients: transition after active treatment. CEBP FOCUS Cancer Survivorship Research 2011;20(10):2015–2019.
Helgeson VS, Snyder P, Seltman H. Psychological and physical adjustment to breast cancer over 4 years: identifying distinct trajectories of change. Health Psychol 2004;23:3–15.
Hodgkinson K, Butow P, Fuchs A, et al. Long-term survival from gynecologic cancer: psychosocial outcomes, supportive care needs and positive outcomes. Gynec Oncol 2007;104:381–389.
Kurita K, Meyerowitz BE, Hall P, Gatz M. Long-term cognitive impairment in older adult twins discordant for gynecologic cancer treatment. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2011;66(12):1343–1349.
Kurtz M, Kurtz J, Given C, Given B. Depression and physical health among family caregivers of geriatric patients with cancer—a longitudinal view. Med Sci Monit 2004;10:CR447-CR456.
Maher, EJ, Denton, A. Survivorship, late effects and cancer of the cervix. Clin Oncol 2008;20:479–487.
Mahon SM. Tertiary prevention. Implications for improving the quality of life of long-term survivors of cancer. Semin Oncol Nurs 2005;21(4):260–270.
Matei D, Miller AM, Monahan P, et al. Chronic physical effects and health care utilization in long-term ovarian germ cell tumor survivors: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol 2009;(27)25:4142–4149.
Ng, AK, Travis, LB. Subsequent malignant neoplasms in cancer survivors. Cancer J 2008;14(6):429–434.
Neugut AI, Weinberg MD, Ahsan H, Rescigno J. Carcinogenic effects of radiotherapy for breast cancer. Oncology (Williston Park) 1999;13(9):1245–1256.
Ratner ES, Foran KA, Schwartz PE, Minkin MJ. Sexuality and intimacy after gynecological cancer. Maturitas 2010;66:24–26.
Wenzel LB, Donnelly JP, Fowler JM, et al. Resilience, reflection, and residual stress in ovarian cancer survivorship: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study. Psycho-Oncol 2002;11:142–153.
Yabroff KR, Kim Y. Time costs associated with informal caregiving for cancer survivors. Cancer 2009;115(18):4362–4373.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Survivorship Algorithms
Survivorship Algorithms
These cancer survivorship algorithms have been specifically developed for MD Anderson using a multidisciplinary approach and taking into consideration circumstances particular to MD Anderson, including the following: MD Anderson’s specific patient population, MD Anderson’s services and structure, and MD Anderson’s clinical information. These algorithms are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace the independent medical or professional judgment of physicians or other health care providers. Moreover, these algorithms should not be used to treat pregnant women.
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2015 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bodurka, D.C., Westin, S.N., Sun, C.C. (2015). Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship Management. In: Foxhall, L., Rodriguez, M. (eds) Advances in Cancer Survivorship Management. MD Anderson Cancer Care Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0986-5_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0986-5_8
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-0985-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-0986-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)