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Walter Reed at forefront of cancer fight

Too few women — and men — are aware of the warning signs, symptoms, prevention and detection methods for gynecologic cancer, an Army surgeon says.

To get the word out, Col. Larry Maxwell, chief of the Integrated Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center, is assisting in the first national awareness campaign for gynecologic cancers.

An estimated 80,720 new cases of gynecologic cancer will occur this year, according to the American Cancer Society. These types of cancers affect women’s reproductive organs and they can be fatal. The society estimates there will be 28,120 deaths due to these cancers this year.

The total of new cases has increased each year since 2006. Among them, endometrial cancer, or cancer of the lining of the uterus, has been increasing over the past decade, Maxwell said. Endometrial cancer has been linked to obesity, an increasing problem in the U.S.

National awareness is lacking about gynecologic cancer, which has a higher mortality rate than breast cancer, Maxwell said.

“I think quite honestly, that some of the other organizations for cancer [such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure] have done such a good job, they’ve overshadowed cancer awareness on multiple other fronts,” Maxwell said.

Walter Reed’s Gynecologic Cancer Center has taken a substantial role with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and Society of Gynecologic Oncologists in developing a national campaign, beginning with a conference for surgeons and scientists on Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C., followed by a conference for gynecologic cancer survivors the next day.

The foundation is also hosting a 5K race and Maxwell’s department plans to participate, although the race is not affiliated with Walter Reed.

Only five Army centers have gynecologic oncologists on staff, Maxwell said, with Walter Reed’s unit primarily serving patients from the Southeast U.S. and Europe.

At Walter Reed, Maxwell estimates about 5,500 patient visits a year in his department. Patients can include anyone with Defense Department health care.

In addition to treating patients, the team at Walter Reed does research to improve early detection, prevention, treatment and molecular profiling, which is identifying patterns of abnormal genes and/or proteins in the cancer to assist in better treatment and prevention.

The biggest obstacle for his team at work, Maxwell said, is that there are only so many hours in a day.

“Obviously we’re passionate about what we do, but there are so many hats to wear,” he said. “It’s just like getting in an F-16 at 4:30 in the morning, and the ride doesn’t stop until 8 o’clock at night.”

When Maxwell started at Walter Reed, there was little funding for research, but the center has since secured more than $10 million.

“When I came to Walter Reed nine years ago ... we really had nothing. I walked in my office and there was a metal drawer and file cabinet and a patient exam room,” Maxwell said. “We created what we have here through multiple grants through the Department of Defense and outside agencies, and created a research center that has gained a national level of reputation.”

Early detection and education

Early identification and treatment can be a life-and-death issue, Maxwell said.

Women need to be sure and schedule PAP smears and pelvic exams. If there is abnormal bleeding, it’s important to seek medical attention, particularly among post-menopausal women, he said.

Men need to get educated, as well, Maxwell said, because this is an issue that impacts the family unit.

Maxwell lost his grandmother and great aunt to ovarian cancer, and his wife is a sarcoma survivor.

“I can tell you as the husband of a cancer survivor, I’m totally in tune with trying to keep abreast of things that don’t just affect me, but that affect my family,” Maxwell said.

National awareness

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation is holding events Nov. 6-8, with support from the Gynecologic Cancer Center at Walter Reed, to increase national awareness.

The schedule includes:

Nov. 6: A conference for surgeons, researchers and scientists at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Nov. 7: Free courses for survivors of ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, also at the Mandarin.

Nov. 8: The inaugural Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Race to End Women’s Cancer takes place at 7 a.m. in Washington, D.C.

Surgeons in the band: The race will feature a performance of N.E.D., a band composed of gynecologic surgeons. N.E.D. stands for “no evidence of disease” — the words that every cancer patient wants to hear. Visit www.gcfrace.com.

More information

For event details and more information about gynecologic cancer and where to find help, visit the Women’s Cancer Network for the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation at www.wcn.org