Caring for women every step of the way
MemorialCare Cancer Institute is committed to enhancing the quality of life for patients – treating the whole person, not just the cancer.
No woman ever wants to hear the words “gynecologic cancer.” But should a diagnosis occur, MemorialCare stands for women with advanced treatments — at any stage of their journey — tailored to each patient’s needs.
“MemorialCare Cancer Institute offers comprehensive care options to patients with gynecologic cancer from genetic counseling, minimally invasive and roboticassisted surgery, fertility-sparing surgery, brachytherapy, support groups, social workers, and nurse navigators,” says Kiran Clair, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center.
The Gynecologic Oncology Program at MemorialCare Cancer Institute provides patients access to a comprehensive range of treatments and specialists for gynecologic cancer. The program is led by expert, compassionate, highly trained gynecologic oncologists who offer advanced surgical treatments, including cytoreductive surgery for advanced or recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers. For early-stage cervical and endometrial cancer cases, fertility-sparing surgery is provided.
MemorialCare’s Gynecologic Oncology Program is supported by advanced technology, delivering the most precise and comfortable care possible for patients needing surgery. The program utilizes the state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi® Surgical System, which enables smaller abdominal incisions and same-day discharge for many patients.
“The da Vinci Xi® acts as an extension of my hands. Throughout the procedure, an advanced video system transmits highly detailed 3D images of the interior surgical area which greatly enhances my ability to view the complex structures, tissues and organs inside the body,” says Priyal Dholakiya, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center. “Being able to move and perform procedures on patients precisely and through small incisions allows for less post-operative pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays.”
In addition, the physicians and care team of the program understand that they are working with women who are handling a diagnosis at different stages of life. Some may be as young as their early 20s with a busy career and young family, while others are post-menopausal.
In every case and for each patient, MemorialCare’s long-standing commitment to comprehensive and compassionate care is proven. The multidisciplinary team collaborates closely with medical oncology, radiation oncology, primary care providers, and supportive services to create personalized treatment plans. The Gynecologic Oncology Program goes beyond treatment alone by offering genetic counseling and testing services for hereditary cancer syndromes like BRCA1 & 2 and Lynch Syndrome.
MemorialCare Cancer Institute provides access to various support resources. These resources cross the spectrum of health, from palliative care and nutrition to nurse navigation that guides patients through their treatment journey. Todd Cancer Institute offers robust psychosocial services that provide emotional support, and the Women Guiding Women Program. They also offer a full spectrum of cancer rehabilitation services including lymphedema care. Additional services include cancer care boutiques like the Wig Bank at Orange Coast Medical Center, and Transitions, a boutique at Saddleback Medical Center helping patients look and feel their best during and after treatment.
Learn more at memorialcare.org/cancer.