HEALTHCARE
Women ’ s Health Roundtable : Cancer Treatment / Diagnosis
Advances in understanding the biology and genetics of cancer have led to new and improved therapies .
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE
Advances in diagnosing and treating cancers in women are particularly worthy of discussion during Women ’ s History Month . In the following roundtable , experts from New Jersey ’ s top hospitals highlight new technologies , pharmaceuticals and treatments that are improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease — and saving lives .
Atlantic Health System By Daniel Tobias , M . D ., Medical Director , Gynecologic Oncology ; Local Principal Investigator , CA-125 Study
A landmark study that uses a simple blood test for the CA-125 protein is seeking an answer to screening and early detection for ovarian cancer . Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer . If caught early , ovarian cancer has a 90 percent , five-year survival rate , but most ovarian cancer is detected too late , at stages 3 or 4 , with a 75 percent chance of recurrence after treatment . The CA-125 blood test is currently only used in women who have had ovarian cancer or who already show symptoms . A high CA-125 marker may indicate the need for further testing , however , by that time it is often already late-stage cancer . This Ovarian Cancer Screening Study involves an annual blood test in study participants to monitor CA-125 scores over time . The study will determine if a slow rise in the CA- 125 protein over time is an early indication for ovarian cancer . Atlantic Health System has been enrolling women since 2011 and is the only location in the New Jersey-New York area to participate in the national study . Participants must be post-menopausal and between the ages of 50 and 74 . To learn more or join the CA-125 study , please call ( 973 ) 971‐6491 .
CentraState Healthcare System By Charlsie Celestine , M . D ., Women ’ s Health Specialists of CentraState
The most common cancers in women overall are breast , lung and colon cancer . However , female cancers of cervical , uterine and ovarian origin are also common . Thankfully , dramatic improvements in screening methods , early diagnosis and breakthroughs in treatment have increased women ’ s survival rates . Targeted drug treatments that hamper cancer cell development as well as customized treatments based on a patient ’ s genetic cell structure are promising advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of women ’ s cancers . As an advocate for health education , it ’ s encouraging that more women are realizing that positive lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco use decreases their chances of developing cancer . I conduct a women ’ s health education podcast where we endeavor to empower women to take an active role in their health and keep them updated on the promising advances in diagnosis and treatment of common cancers in women .
Englewood Health By Nimesh P . Nagarsheth , M . D ., Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery
In the United States , the most common gynecologic cancer is uterine ( endometrial ) cancer . Worldwide , the most common gynecologic cancer is cervical cancer . New technology in surgery , along with cutting-edge innovation
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A landmark study that uses a simple blood test for the CA-125 protein is seeking an answer to screening and early detection for ovarian cancer .
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