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Gynecologic Oncology
Experts at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)*** [see below] recommend that gynecologic cancer surgery and staging be done by a gynecologic oncologist (from the NCCN Guidelines for Patients).
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If you or a loved one is seeking care for any type of gynecologic cancer, it is highly recommended that you seek care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center from a Board-Certified Gynecologic Oncologist who specializes in your type of gynecologic cancer.
SEARCH for Gynecologic Oncologists (Nationwide)
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In order to assist you in your search for a Gynecologic Oncologist, this site provides links to the major health care providers in Colorado. Since physician lists are subject to change, the hope is that these links will always provide the most current information. Some sites only allow the user to search on either a “gynecologic” or “oncology” option. Therefore, it is essential to keep in mind the importance of having a Gynecologic Oncologist perform any required surgery.
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​Gynecologic Oncology
According to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)
“A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers that are located on a woman’s reproductive organs. Gynecologic oncologists have completed obstetrics and gynecology residency and then pursued subspecialty training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship. Residency takes four years to complete, while fellowship involves three to four additional years of intensive training about surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiation, and research techniques that are important to provide the best care for gynecologic cancers. Physicians who complete this training are eligible to take both the obstetrics and gynecology board exam and the gynecologic oncology board exam. The gynecologic oncologist serves as the captain of a woman’s gynecologic cancer care team. It is important to consult with a gynecologic oncologist before treatment is started so that the best treatment regimen is chosen for you.”
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​Medical Oncology
Some hospitals and healthcare systems provide a gynecologic oncologist for ovarian cancer surgery and a medical oncologist for chemotherapy treatment.
​According to the National Cancer Institutes' dictionary of Cancer Terms, a medical oncologist is:
“A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists.”
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www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms?cdrid=46290
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​​*** ”The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), is a not-for-profit alliance of 27 of the world’s leading cancer centers... [that] recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers.”
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