Our Gynaecological Cancer Care Centre is the largest provider in the Republic of Ireland of treatment for malignancy of the reproductive organs: cancer of the womb (uterus), cervix, ovary, vagina and vulva. Our centre provides a regional and national service and is accredited by the NCCP (the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme) for complex radical gynaecological surgeries. International standards of treatment apply, and the service is supported by research and teaching activities through Trinity College Dublin and the Cancer Trials Research Office in the hospital.
Over 300 women with gynaecological cancer are referred to the centre annually. Cancer of the endometrium (lining of the womb) is the most common cancer, followed by cancer of the ovary/fallopian tube, then cervical cancer. Cancers of the vulva and vagina are less common. Women are referred by their general practitioners or by gynaecologists at their local hospital. A multidisciplinary team of doctors plans and provides the cancer care, and surgery is performed at the hospital. Some of the treatments such as chemotherapy can be given in other local regional hospitals. Radiotherapy treatment is given at St Luke’s Hospital (in St James's Hospital and in Rathgar, Dublin). When treatment is completed, long-term follow-up care is often provided at the patient’s local hospital. Follow-up visits may go on for five years or longer.
The cervix is the lower part of the womb (uterus) and is often called the neck of the womb. Each year, over 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Republic of Ireland. It usually occurs in women over the age of 30. The highest rates occur between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can also affect younger and older women.
Very early-stage cervical cancer may have no symptoms, which means it is important to have regular cervical screening, so that any cell changes can be picked up early. Cervix cancer may be suspected after an abnormal cervical smear test. A biopsy is important to make the diagnosis and is usually performed at a colposcopy clinic under local anesthetic. There are two common types of cervix cancer: squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Following a diagnosis, you will have general blood tests and specific radiological tests to check whether the cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
Cancer of the cervix can be treated with either surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments.
We are a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiotherapists and specialist nurses supported by experts in nutrition, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, stoma care, palliative care and pain and pastoral care. Four outpatient clinics are held weekly. Each clinic has one or more lead consultants and team doctors.
Gynaecological Consultant Surgeons
Medical Oncology Chemotherapy Consultant
Radiotherapy Consultant
Cancer Nurse Specialists
This team will coordinate all of your care, from your first visit to the clinic through to your blood and X-ray tests, your admission for surgery or your appointments with other doctors.
Advanced Nurse Practitioner - Survivorship
Research /Scientific Investigators
Sharon and Lucy are scientific doctors who work in the research laboratory and coordinate the studies outlined. They ensure patients are informed about research studies, so you may meet them when you come to the outpatient clinic, when you come for your surgery or at other stages during your treatment. They coordinate the collection of blood and tissue samples and store them for the various studies.
Further information on research projects is available on our Research page. Published research for Feras Abu Saadeh, Lucy Norris and Sharon O’Toole is available through ResearchGate.
Other Resources
The following are websites of organisations offering information relating to the treatment and management of cancer:
Irish Cancer Society: www.cancer.ie
Emer Casey Foundation: www.emercaseyfoundation.com
Ovacare: www.ovacare.com
Supporting Ovarian Cancer Knowledge: www.sock.ie