To meet the needs of the community, Cape Fear Valley Health is opening a Gynecologic Oncology Clinic to provide specialized care to patients in and around Fayetteville. 

The ribbon cutting for the new clinic is scheduled for Monday, May 5. 

The clinic is about 5000 square feet with 12 patient rooms, and when it's fully staffed there will be four physicians that will work out of the clinic. Dr. Jerlinda Ross and Dr. A.H. Cinar Aksu have already joined the team.

When you look at the population CFVH serves, as well as some of the disparities that often surround gynecologic oncology care and challenges brought on by the doctor shortage in this area, this clinic recognizes a significant need that has to be met.

The new referral based clinic will focus primarily on the treatment of reproductive cancers such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, primary peritoneal cancer and uterine cancer. Additionally, gynecologic oncologists are trained to help with complicated gynecologic surgery. 

This is the first time GYN Oncology practice through Cape Fear Valley Health. Women in need of these services previously had to be referred outside of the area to places like Duke or UNC. Cancer treatment takes a toll on a person, and having to drive three hours every two weeks for adequate care can make things even harder. Now, patients will get care in a timely fashion, without delay, and they won't have to go out of the county. 

General gynecologists are trained for four years, but gynecologic oncologists complete seven years of post-graduate training. 

The staff understand the uniquely difficult experience of battling cancer. As patients process their  diagnosis of cancer, and embark on this journey of recovery, they need someone to be there with them. They need someone to help them, not only from a medical standpoint or a surgical standpoint, but also from an emotional standpoint and with their families. So these specialists become a part of their lives as they are on this cancer journey, and CFVH has been careful to hire the right specialists to serve patients with the compassion and quality care needed to help them through this chapter. 

A patient’s chance for survival is impacted greatly by early detection. It is crucial that women have access to annual check-ups with their gynecologist to monitor their health and detect any signs of cancer or other health concerns early. 

Oftentimes, women prioritize their health when they are of reproductive age, but they need care full circle, holistically, throughout the entire continuum of their life. Many of the cancers that patients would ultimately develop present when they are postmenopausal. 

In addition to treating patients, the clinic aims to educate and raise awareness within the community. Increasing awareness of symptoms to look out for, educating women about the different types of screening modalities that are available and informing them about preventative measures are all valuable services the clinic will provide in addition to treating patients who have already received a diagnosis.

This is a need that we've known about in this community for a long time, but it took the right team to make it happen. All the stars have lined up, and CFVH is happy to finally meet the needs of the community with this women's subspecialty clinic.

Once opened, the clinic will serve patients Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.