Cancers of the breast and uterine cervix are the most common cancers among women in India. Gynaecological cancers have been treated at CMC for several decades. However, with subspecialisation, a separate unit has been looking after women’s cancers since December 2010. This unit separated off from Obstetrics & Gynaecology and became a full fledged department in July 2015. Breast cancers can be diagnosed here but are then referred to the breast surgeons (endocrine surgeons). All cancers of the female reproductive tract are managed by the Department of Gynaecologic Oncology.

Out-patient clinics

• Monday and Thursday afternoons in Centenary building (ISSCC) first floor.

• Gynaecology Cancer Screening Clinic on SATURDAY MORNING (outpatient clinic).

In-patient wards

• General ward : G4W

• Semi-private ward : G3S

• Private ward : G7S and A

At present, the department treats, on average, 10 women with vulvar cancer, 45 patients with cervical cancer, 80 patients with uterine cancer and 120 women with ovarian cancer each year. Recent advances include laparoscopy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Strengths:

• Multidisciplinary team meetings held weekly

• Collaboration with other departments such as radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology

• Good support systems such as Pathology,Blood Bank, ICU

• Holistic approach

The department works in close collaboration with the Departments of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Pathology and Palliative Care. Quite often intra-operative consultations are sought from colorectal surgery, urology, vascular surgery and plastic surgery so that complex operations can be undertaken to remove all gross tumour. The department has kept up with the advancements of technology with endoscopy, sentinel node mapping and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

The department organises regular home visits, which keeps a check on the patients who default treatment. The designated social worker assists in mobilising finances, psychosexual counselling and scheduling hospital visits and the oncology nurse takes care of wound care, stoma care and patient follow up.