KGMU gets dedicated gynae oncology dept

Lucknow: KGMU has launched a dedicated gynae oncology department that will provide specialised care under one roof, as gynaecological related cancers remain a significant cause of mortality among women.

Until now, women with these cancers faced the challenges of navigating multiple departments, often incurring significant costs and stress.

"While gynaecological oncology departments exist in cancer centres across India, dedicated departments within govt medical colleges offering MBBS and MD programmes are rare. To my knowledge, this is the first such department in a govt medical college in India," said HoD Prof Nisha Singh.

Singh said the department will offer a range of services like diagnosis, treatment, surgery, post-treatment care, and long-term follow-up for potential recurrences.

The department will address a spectrum of gynaecological cancers, including cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vulvar, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, a rare pregnancy related tumour. "Cervical cancer currently presents the highest prevalence, followed by ovarian cancer," said Singh.

Prior to this, the gynaecology department operated specialised clinics, such as the preventive oncology clinic and the gynaecological cancer follow-up clinic, which were operational for nearly two years.

"Gynaecological oncology care was previously managed within the obstetrics and gynaecology department, handling approximately 450 cases annually. Limited resources, including a single operating theatre day per week, restricted the scope of care," she said.

The new department boasts of 20 beds, OPD, she said adding that surgeries are already underway, despite the pending arrival of some essential equipment.

The department will also require additional staff and advanced equipment.

"The current team includes existing staff from the original cancer unit, but several positions remain vacant and will be filled shortly," added Singh.