The Gynecologic Oncology Program at Princeton Medical Center (PMC) and the PMC Breast Health Center offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, as well as related conditions.
“Each woman’s treatment for gynecologic cancer is individual, and we take a multi-disciplinary approach to their care,” says Charlotte Marcus, MD, who is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology and a member of the Medical Staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “One of the things we focus on when it comes to gynecologic cancer is helping women who may want to have a child in the future preserve fertility when possible.”
Breast cancer treatment at the Breast Health Center, which has been awarded three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, also takes a personalized, multi-disciplinary approach.
“Treatment for breast cancer can involve a combination of approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy,” says Ashley Newman, MD, a board certified breast surgeon at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. “Immunotherapy provides a more focused approach in targeting cancer cells, preserving more healthy cells.”
At PMC, clinical trials related to both breast and gynecologic cancers are regularly available and are run through Penn Medicine. Participation in trials provides patients with the most up-to-date treatment and helps guide future advancements in care.
Early diagnosis of breast and gynecologic cancers is key to successful treatment, which is why physicians at Princeton Health encourage women to follow the recommendations for screenings.
“The recommendation for mammograms is that women of average risk for breast cancer begin annual screening at age 40,” says Dr. Newman. “There is no specific age for when screening should end. As long as a woman is in general good health, annual mammograms are recommended.”
Pap and HPV (human papilloma virus) tests to screen for cervical cancer should begin around the age of 20, and, as long as test results are negative, should be completed every three to five years.
“While the Pap test may not be required every year, it is still important to see your gynecologist annually for an examination to check for changes in your ovaries and uterus, which can be an indication of gynecologic cancer,” says Dr. Marcus.
The women’s health care team at Princeton Health also includes board certified gynecologists and minimally invasive and robotic surgeons who perform hysterectomy and other procedures to help treat conditions like pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, endometriosis, fibroids and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Mental Health
Whether it is trauma, addiction, or coping with life’s transitions, the mental health concerns of women are unique, which is why Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health established a specialized Women’s Program more than 30 years ago.
“Through the program, we provide women with a safe space to identify, understand, and work through their mental health issues,” says Susanne Steinberg, MD, Medical Director of Princeton House’s Moorestown location. “A supportive setting means there is one less struggle to overcome, so the focus can be entirely on healing.”
Most patients start treatment five days a week, Monday through Friday, for an average of two weeks. The patient then steps down to three half days per week, attending from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This continues for another six to eight weeks. The maximum length of treatment in the program is 12 weeks.
The Women’s Program focuses on building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Women report that it considerably improves the quality of their lives at work and in relationships, increasing their inner peace.
“We want to meet women where they are, helping them to build skills that will improve their lives,” says Dr. Steinberg, who is board certified in psychiatry and neurology.
The Women’s Program is offered at five locations — Princeton, Hamilton, North Brunswick, Moorestown, and Eatontown.
Maternity Care
Women who are pregnant or considering having a baby want to know they are in capable hands when it comes to medical treatment during their pregnancy, as well as when it comes to delivery and postnatal care. Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (PMC) is among a select group of hospital and health systems to receive perinatal care certification from The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest healthcare accreditation body.
“When you are looking for an obstetrician or a medical facility for maternal care, you naturally want to consider convenience of location, but you also want to be sure they are equipped to handle any medical risks you may have and any anticipated or unanticipated complications with the birth,” says Katelyn Tripod, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN) on the Medical Staff of Penn Medicine Princeton Health.
The Center for Maternal & Newborn Care at PMC includes a team of OB/GYNs, midwives, and nurses who are specially trained in maternity and newborn care. Since childbirth does not follow a predetermined schedule, a laborist is on duty, in-house, around the clock, and maternal fetal medicine experts, through an affiliation with Penn Medicine’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Network, are available for women with high-risk pregnancies. Additionally, neonatologists from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are on-site 24/7 to care for newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
“We are licensed by the state to care for babies born at 28 weeks who weigh at least 2.2 pounds,” says Dr. Tripod. “We also are committed to patient education, offering a range of programs through Community Wellness, from preparing for birth through the first few months of caring for your baby. All together, the maternal care available at PMC gives women peace of mind.”
Pelvic Wellness
Urinary incontinency or urinary frequency, as well as pelvic organ prolapse, where the pelvic muscles and connective tissue weakens, are extremely common conditions experienced by women, particularly as they age. Yet women often remain silent about their condition, choosing to restrict their activities rather than seek treatment.
“Many women are often embarrassed to talk about pelvic wellness or unsure who to talk to,” says Heather van Raalte, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center (PMC). “In many cases they feel like they are the only ones experiencing the problem, when, in fact, millions of women have pelvic disorders. Another common misconception is that many women feel as though it is just something that comes with age and they need to just accept it. The truth is, these conditions can be successfully treated so women can get back to living the lives they deserve to be living.”
Treatment through PMC and the Center for Pelvic Wellness at Princeton Medical Center is individualized based on a woman’s particular needs, and begins with a comprehensive exam as well as fluid and dietary education.
“Depending on your diagnosis, there are a range of treatments for pelvic disorders, including medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive surgery,” says Dr. van Raalte, who is board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and obstetrics and gynecology, and urogynecology. “Women need to know these conditions can often be treated successfully.”
Primary Care
Seeing your primary care doctor for an annual checkup helps ensure you are up-to-date on recommended testing and vaccines, as well as in good overall health. It is also an opportunity for you to mention any physical and emotional changes you may be experiencing.
“Your primary care doctor provides care for problems you may be experiencing, as well as preventative care to help avoid future health problems,” says Kathryn Robison, MD, Acting Chair of the Department of Medicine at Penn Medicine Princeton Health. “If specialized care is needed, a primary care doctor can recommend your next course of action.”
Beginning at age 20, recommendations include blood tests to monitor for high cholesterol and diabetes, as well as other conditions. As long as numbers remain in the normal range, testing should be conducted every 10 years.
Routine vaccines, such as flu shots, are recommended on an annual basis for everyone, while tetanus and pertussis vaccines should be updated every 10 years.
“As women age, they also need to keep in mind that they should receive the two-dose shingles vaccine at age 50 and the pneumonia vaccine at age 65,” says Dr. Robison, who is board certified in internal medicine. “At 65 women should also have a bone density scan if they are at average risk for osteoporosis. Women who are at high risk for the disease should have a test earlier, which is something that can be evaluated by their primary care doctor.”
Additionally, primary care doctors can help women manage menopause symptoms.