Gynaecological cancer support

Having a cancer diagnosis is tough, and you won't always feel your best. Our emotions can be something of a rollercoaster, however, its ok to not always feel ok.

We hope to provide you with some useful resources and suggestions to help you talk about and manage your own emotional wellbeing. Here you will find a variety of tools available, ranging from simple relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, right through to exploring anxiety and identifying potential triggers.

Whilst we encourage you to explore these resources, if you feel these are not helping and are concerned, please contact the Gynaecology Oncology CNS team at either Derby or Burton for further advice and support.


Useful links to help monitor how you're feeling

Ovarian Cancer including Fallopian Tube & Peritoneum

For information on Ovarian Cancer, use the following links;
 

Active Recovery

Active Recovery is a cancer exercise and rehabilitation programme designed for anyone who has been recovering from or living with cancer within the last five years.

It aims to support those who have undergone cancer treatment to regain confidence, fitness and strength which can all be affected by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Weekly sessions take place across both Derby and Burton and are free (for 12 months) to anyone in the five years following their treatment.  Activities vary and are planned to target key areas affected by certain cancers.

There are a huge number of different Health and Wellbeing sessions on offer for Active Recovery participants. These currently include:
 

  • Gym sessions with a personal trainer
  • Stretch and Relax
  • Fitness and Stability
  • DanceFit
  • Box and Bar
  • Coffee Mornings


All participants will have access to an individual consultation, reviews and plan from qualified cancer rehabilitation coaches.

For more information please speak to your clinical nurse specialist or:
 

Cancer Services App

Cancer services at UHDB are launching an app to help those living with cancer to quickly and easily access up to date information or signposting for help and support.

This app is intended to be helpful at any time and will have more things added, but clearly in the current situation there is some Covid-specific guidance.

Once in the HealthZone UK app, simply search for ‘UHDB - Cancer App’

Download app from the Apple store

Download app from Google Play store

Holistic Needs Assessment

Holistic Needs Assessments (HNA’s) have been created by Macmillan and are simply designed to encourage a holistic approach to providing additional support to patients on an individual basis.

Read more about Holistic Needs Assessments >

Menopause

The word menopause comes from ‘meno’ meaning your menstrual cycle and ‘pause’ meaning to stop. The medical definition of menopause is when you have not had a period for 12 months; these changes may occur naturally or can be as a result of treatment. Many ladies that undergo treatment for a gynaecological cancer may find themselves experiencing symptoms of an early menopause.

It is recognised that there are around 30+ symptoms associated with menopause. Feel free to contact the Gynaecology Oncology CNS team to talk about any questions or concerns you may have.

For information on Menopause , use the following links;

Intimacy and relationships

During and following treatment for a gynaecological cancer, women’s thoughts and feelings towards sex can change. The cancer and its treatment can affect not only their physical bodies, but also how they perceive and connect with them.  

These physical symptoms most commonly include changes in desire, arousal, pain, vaginal dryness, vaginal numbness, orgasm, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea.  

We recognise that many of these physical side effects of treatment can influence how women feel about sex, intimacy and relationships with their partners. Our Clinical Nurse Specialist team feel it is important to have these conversations early on with patients, educating, signposting and supporting as best we can. 


We have put together some links to useful websites for further information and support:


If you have any questions or are have your own intimacy and relationship worries, please do contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist for support.

Download UHDB CNS lead Sexual Function Clinic leaflet (opens in new window) >