UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Gynecologic Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors vary with specific types of gynecologic cancer, but generally include:

  • Genetic mutations, including BRCA1 and others
  • Family history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colon cancer
  • Any cancer diagnosis, including patients in remission
  • Obesity
  • Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure
  • Abnormal cancer screening results (e.g. abnormal results from genetic testing, colonoscopy or the existence of dysplasia, which are cells that look abnormal under a microscope). 

If you fit the above criteria, our dedicated team of specialists can help you understand your gynecologic cancer risk and discuss ways to reduce your risk of cancer

Personalized Risk Assessment

At our Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Clinic, each patient receives a thorough risk assessment, including the following:

  • A detailed medical history
  • A three-generation, cancer-focused family history review
  • A complete physical exam
  • Calculation of cancer risk, using validated models (when applicable)
  • Blood tests (when appropriate) to identify genetic mutations that may increase cancer risk

The results of this assessment will be used to determine an individual’s risk level. Based on level of risk, together the patient and their physician will develop a personalized cancer screening and prevention plan.

S. Diane Yamada, MD, and Ernst Lengyel, MD, gynecologic oncologists

Cancer Care Second Opinions

Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in cancer care.

researcher in cancer lab

Participate in a Clinical Trial

UChicago Medicine gynecologic cancer experts are actively conducting clinical trials of new and promising treatments.

Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine view from parking garage

How Can We Help?

Useful Resources for Patients & Visitors

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For your convenience, you can make a virtual visit appointment with a cancer expert in the following ways:

Schedule a virtual video visit to see a provider from the comfort of your home

Request an online second opinion from our specialists

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 
By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.