The fear that accompanies a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, casting a shadow over your life. The uncertainty and anxiety can be as challenging as the disease itself.
Christy Haygood, MD, gynecologic oncology surgeon at St. Dominic Gynecologic Oncology Associates, understands this deeply. Her work is dedicated to transforming that fear into hope through the latest advancements in reproductive cancer treatment.
Dr. Haygood joins us to share about the future of cancer treatment, the importance of clinical trials and her passion for providing leading-edge care to women in Mississippi.
Defining GYN Cancers
Gynecologic oncology is a specialized field dedicated to treating cancers that affect women’s reproductive organs.
“For the most part, we take care of women who have cancers of the uterus, cervix, tubes, ovaries, vagina and peritoneum,” Dr. Haygood says. This intricate field requires extensive training, starting with a foundational OB-GYN residency, followed by a focused three-year fellowship in gynecologic oncology.
This shift from OB-GYN to cancer care enables gynecologic oncologists to specialize in both surgical and medical oncology, providing comprehensive care to their patients.
A Multifaceted Approach to Treatment
Gynecologic oncologists like Dr. Haygood offer a wide range of treatments, including chemotherapy and surgery. Due to their expertise in pelvic surgery, they also handle complex benign surgeries.
This dual capability allows them to manage various conditions efficiently, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. Through her structured approach and dedication, Dr. Haygood ensures each patient receives personalized and thorough care.
Offering Hope With a Faith-Filled Approach to Care
Dr. Haygood finds joy in providing cancer care when women are at one of the scariest times of their lives.
“My faith has played a very large role in that ability to meet people where they are at this scary moment and walk them through it,” she says.
Sometimes she must help patients focus on symptom management in the time they have left.
“Part of the beauty in my job is helping people when their life is not going to be as long as they wanted it to be or as long as they expected it to be,” Dr. Haygood says. “Despite how much progress we have made in cancer care, unfortunately a lot of my patients die.”
Part of her work is supporting people through this process, focusing on the time they have left and who they want to spend that time with.
“My faith makes that easier,” she says. “I’m so blessed to work in a place that lets me share my faith. I think when we face end of life, that is very important.”
Dr. Haygood’s approach to care includes emphasis on patient support and positive attitudes.
“There’s data that says people who have a positive attitude and good support systems do better,” she says. Encouraging patients to ask for help and lean on their support networks is a crucial part of the healing process.
At St. Dominic’s the woman-to-woman mentorship program pairs newly diagnosed patients with those who have been through similar experiences to provide much-needed emotional and practical support.
Reproductive Cancer in the South
Dr. Haygood highlights that uterine and endometrial cancers are particularly common in the South.
“It’s typically seen in women who are postmenopausal and present with abnormal bleeding,” she explains. Many women recognize that this bleeding is unusual and seek medical attention, often leading to early detection. At stage one, these patients usually require surgery alone, with excellent survival rates.
Environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to cancer risk, particularly in the South.
“Some cancers, like endometrial cancer, can be influenced by genetic mutations, but also by environmental factors such as obesity,” Dr. Haygood explains. Obesity is a significant issue in the South and contributes to a higher incidence of endometrial cancer.
Access to healthcare is another crucial factor. Cervical cancer can often be prevented with good access to care, regular screenings and follow-up. However, many patients in rural areas face barriers to accessing these services. Socioeconomic issues also play a role, making it challenging for some women to receive the necessary treatment even if they manage to get screened.
Managing Ovarian, Fallopian Tube and Peritoneal Cancers
Ovarian cancer, often grouped with fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers, is another focus of Dr. Haygood’s practice. These cancers share similar origins and treatments, usually involving a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The treatment plan depends on the stage at presentation and the patient’s overall health.
Dr. Haygood emphasizes the importance of considering genetic mutations in these cancers. Testing for these mutations can lead to preventive measures, such as risk-reducing surgeries, significantly decreasing the risk of developing these cancers.
Preventing Cervical Cancer Through Vaccination
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination. Dr. Haygood stresses the importance of the HPV vaccine, which protects against nine different strains of the human papilloma virus, responsible for about 98 percent of cervical cancers in the U.S. and over 90 percent of head and neck cancers.
“The best protection starts when people are younger,” she notes, with vaccination beginning as early as age 9. Early vaccination produces a stronger immune response, providing better protection against the virus.
The Power of Screenings
Early detection through screenings such as pap smears and mammograms can help catch precancerous conditions before they develop into full-blown cancers. Pap smears, developed in the 1930s, are effective in identifying precancerous lesions in the cervix.
“Pap smears do a great job at picking up on precancerous lesions,” Dr. Haygood says. “The goal with any screening is to identify something suspicious so we can treat it before it becomes cancer.”
In addition to traditional pap smears, HPV testing has become a critical part of cervical cancer screening. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Identifying HPV in patients allows doctors to monitor those at higher risk of developing dysplasia or precancer.
For those with abnormal pap smear results, a follow-up procedure called a colposcopy may be recommended.
“A colposcopy involves using a microscope to examine the cervix after applying vinegar, which helps highlight abnormal cells,” Dr. Haygood explains.
Screening Frequency
The guidelines for when women should start and how frequently they should have pap smears and HPV tests are evolving.
“Pap smears should typically begin at age 21, but this recommendation is shifting toward starting at age 25,” Dr. Haygood says. Many young women in their early 20s may have HPV infections that typically clear up on their own within two years, and early screening might detect infections unlikely to develop into cancer.
For women ages 25 to 65, cervical screening should be a regular part of healthcare. This can be done through pap smears or primary HPV testing.
“HPV testing can sometimes replace the traditional pap smear, allowing for self-collection of samples in a provider’s office, which is particularly beneficial for women who may have experienced trauma or have difficulty with pelvic exams,” Dr. Haygood notes.
The frequency of screenings can vary based on individual health histories. Generally, women should have cervical screenings every three to five years. Women with a history of high-grade dysplasia or other cervical issues might need more frequent screenings. After age 65, women who have had regular screenings with normal results may no longer need to continue cervical cancer screening.
Other Screenings Women Need
In addition to pap smears and mammograms, women should be aware of other important screenings. These include colonoscopies for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 (or earlier if there is a family history), and regular skin checks for skin cancer, especially for those with a history of sun exposure or skin cancer.
Proactive Steps for Prevention
When it comes to cancer prevention, Dr. Haygood emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle — diet and exercise.
“We weren’t designed to eat processed foods,” she says. “And maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly reduce cancer risk.”
Regular exercise, even something as simple as a 30-minute walk, can make a big difference.
She also stresses the importance of regular medical check-ups. Don’t skip your screenings.
Having a trusted healthcare provider is also vital. “It’s important to pay attention to your own body and seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right.”
Diagnostic Process and Next Steps
When a patient is diagnosed with a type of gynecological cancer, the diagnostic process and subsequent steps can vary based on the specific type of cancer and the patient’s individual circumstances. The journey from diagnosis to treatment is highly individualized, focusing on the best possible outcome for each patient’s unique situation.
The diagnostic process may include blood work and a CT scan to get a detailed view of the abdomen and pelvis. Depending on the findings, the next steps might involve surgery.
In cases where the CT scan suggests advanced disease, an interventional radiologist may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, the treatment plan could include chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Clinical Trials: Bridging the Gap in Mississippi
Dr. Haygood emphasizes the significance of clinical trials, especially in regions like Mississippi, where access to advanced treatments can be limited. The trials provide access to innovative treatments such as antibody drug conjugates and immunotherapies, which can revolutionize the care provided to Dr. Haygood’s patients.
These clinical trials are not just about accessing new drugs but also about understanding how different populations respond to treatments by including marginalized patient populations in trials. By conducting trials locally, Dr. Haygood ensures that the treatments are tailored to the unique needs of her patients in Mississippi.
Advocate for Your Health
“Make sure you’re getting your screenings, be an advocate for yourself and get vaccinated for HPV if you haven’t already,” Dr. Haygood advises.
By integrating advanced treatments with a strong emphasis on prevention, Dr. Haygood and her team offer comprehensive care for women with gynecologic cancers. Their dedication to early detection, genetic testing and preventive measures highlights the critical role of gynecologic oncology in improving patient outcomes.
