Menopause, a natural part of the aging process, is defined as the time after 12 months has passed without a menstrual period. This process usually begins 2 to 5 years prior to a woman’s last menstrual period. Every woman experiences menopause differently. There are both physical and psychosocial changes associated with menopause. There is not a set age at which menopause begins. Some women reach menopause as early as their 30s or 40s and some as late as their 60s. Menopause begins most often between the age of 45 and 55.  
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Depending on factors such as age, personal and family medical history, lifestyle and habits, every person has a different chance of developing cancer. Gynecologic cancer affects many organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulvar, vagina and fallopian tubes. Treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system requires the expertise of gynecologic oncologists. These physicians are obstetricians / gynecologists who have additional training in the management of gynecologic malignancies, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and the use of experimental treatments.  

Services at Little Company of Mary include:

• Education and information needed to make informed healthcare decisions
• Evaluation of symptoms, diagnosis and staging
• Treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
   and biological therapy
• Management and treatment of side effects
• Follow up care
• Support groups and psychosocial services
• Cancer research

Gynecological surgery is concerned with the woman’s reproductive organs, genitourinary and rectal tracts. The primary objectives in gynecological surgery are to identify and correct malfunctions of the organs in these tracts, when possible, and maintain the overall health of the gynecological system. [read more]