BacktoCampusCare: What to Know Before You Go

In recent years, most cervical cancers have become completely preventable with a vaccine, and there are screening tests to identify it early. However, it’s important for women to understand the warning signs of gynecological cancers which don’t have screening tests, such as:
• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Other rare types

Lower your risk for gynecological cancer

At your annual women’s health appointment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your family history and lifestyle choices that can make a positive impact on your health. Here are some ideas to consider lowering your risk for different types of gynecological cancer:

• Share your family history with your healthcare provider. Women with a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other specific cancer types may benefit from a CA 125 test, which can find early signs of ovarian cancer, or genetic risk assessment, which looks for hereditary gene mutations that increase an individual’s risk for ovarian cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Women who are overweight have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the most common type of endometrial (uterine) cancer – and for the cancer to return after treatment. This is a challenge for many people and your health providers want you to feel empowered – not embarrassed – to discuss your BMI, nutrition, weight reduction and wellness.
• Stay tobacco-free or quit tobacco. Again, many health providers can help women with education and resources to quit smoking or vaping for the long haul. Quitting tobacco can reduce your risk for some gynecological cancers and many other health conditions.

Wellstar Health System has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of ten 2021 Top Organizations for Diversity from across the nation. Wellstar is the only health system in Georgia included in the inaugural listing and was honored for demonstrating a commitment to workforce diversity, including leadership positions. 

“Healthcare organizations widely promote their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts when they're first announced. But it's more important to track success and make sure those initiatives deliver on the long-term results the companies and communities they serve expect. This year, we increased the cadence of our diversity recognition program and expanded eligibility to include companies as a whole, as well as individuals,” said Modern Healthcare editor, Aurora Aguilar. “The 2021 class of Top Diversity Leaders lead the pack in healthcare. These are people and companies that exemplify ‘walking the walk.’”

This is the inaugural year for Modern Healthcare’s Top Organizations for Diversity awards, which recognize healthcare companies that are “bolstering the diversity of their workforces” at all levels.  

“Wellstar is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and workforce that mirrors the communities we serve and celebrates our diversity,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and chief executive officer, Wellstar Health System. “Some of our greatest impacts are a direct result of the diversity of our people: the incredible talent we attract, the daily contributions of our team members, the positive effects we create in our communities, and the programs, resources, and initiatives we implement as a leading healthcare provider. Being recognized as one of Modern Healthcare ten Top Organizations for Diversity honors not just what we do, but who we are.”

Inclusion drives positive impact 

Wellstar has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2020, Wellstar formally launched the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council to identify opportunities to grow and drive positive change for its communities, patients and team members. The Council holds regular listening sessions to ensure the voices of team members across the organization are heard and reflected in a connected cycle of feedback across the system. Every Wellstar facility and department is represented in Wellstar’s diversity efforts.

Nurturing a diverse workplace that mirrors its communities, approximately 81% of Wellstar’s employees are women, and just over half (51%) of the workforce is comprised of minorities. When it comes to ascension, 47% of Wellstar’s executives and 77% of frontline managers are women, while minority executives make up 21% of the workforce, with minorities in 38% of the frontline management roles.  

Wellstar believes every person should have access to safe, high-quality healthcare and offers inclusive medical services across its System. In 2019, Wellstar opened a family medicine practice providing specialized health services to people who identify as LGBTQ+. Additionally, physicians are trained to talk about specific issues that the LGBTQ+ community may encounter and support patients through transition goals with gender-affirming care. Wellstar also employs native-language interpreters across the System to serve patients and their families, including a team of full-time Spanish interpreters, a Mandarin Chinese interpreter, as well as full-time Nationally Certified American Sign Language interpreters to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and their families.

Health system acknowledged as employer of choice and diversity advocate 

Wellstar is regularly recognized for diversity excellence, including accolades from Diversity MBA magazine, Diversity Best Practices, Working Mother/Working Father, and National Association for Executive Women (NAFE), among others. Wellstar recently received two awards exemplifying excellence that include Great Place to Work® and PEOPLE magazine’s 2021 PEOPLE Companies that Care®, and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2021 Healthiest Employers. Wellstar has been recognized for outstanding diversity efforts and named in Fortune’s “Best Companies to Work For” and “Best Workplaces for Diversity.”

The more you know about your health, the more empowered you are to take control of it. There’s no greater example of the power you have to protect your future when it comes to preventative health visits and cervical cancer. While cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, it doesn’t have to be.

With the guidance of their physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, women and teens can learn important education and take action that could potentially save their lives. That’s because most types of cervical cancer are now completely preventable.

“Education is queen,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hines, Chief of the Division of Wellstar Gynecologic Oncology, citing better health outcomes for women who have regular visits with their health providers.

It’s not too late to vaccinate

Cervical cancer typically affects women between 30 and 50 years of age. Younger women are also at risk.

Of course, prevention works best when it starts early. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prevents cervical cancer and can be given to children as early as 11 years of age by their pediatrician.

If not previously vaccinated, the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone through the age of 26 and can be administered by a primary care provider or gynecologist.

Even some adults in their 30s and 40s who were previously unvaccinated benefit from getting an HPV vaccination.

How well does it work?

The HPV vaccine has been found to provide close to 100% protection against infections and pre-cancers caused by HPV.

According to the CDC, HPV infections and cervical precancers (abnormal cells on the cervix that can lead to cancer) have dropped significantly since the vaccine has been in use in the United States. Among teen girls, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped 86 percent. There has been a 71% decrease for young adult women.

Identify cervical cancer earlier for better outcomes

Women can also be screened for cervical cancer at regular intervals. There are two tests that can help:

• The more traditional is a Pap smear, which looks for precancers, or cell changes on the cervix.
• The newer HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, a virus that can cause the cells to become cancerous.

Most health plans cover preventative care services — like vaccines and screening tests — at no additional cost. For people without insurance, Wellstar Medical Group practices have low-cost annual exams that include evaluation for cervical cancer and a Pap test if it is medically appropriate.

To find a primary care provider, gynecologist or pediatrician, call (770) 956-STAR (7827) or schedule online by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top of any page.

Learn more about gynecological cancer

Take control of your health and read how to lower your risk and recognize the signs gynecological cancer. Also, learn more about what's being done about health inequities in women's healthcare.