Gynaecology Oncology news and patient stories

A woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer after suffering from back pain and bloating has heaped praise on the 'fabulous cancer care' she received at Royal Derby Hospital after undergoing ultra-radical surgery to save her life.

Helen Hills put her symptoms down to 'age and over exercising' when she first started to feel unwell in 2020 but after seeing a doctor her worst fears were confirmed. Now she has shared her story to raise awareness of the disease for Ovarian Cancer month and said she cannot do enough to thank the team at Royal Derby Hospital who supported her through her difficult journey.

A mum of two who was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, despite not having any symptoms, has urged women to attend vital screening.

Michelle Camm was delivered the shock news that she had Stage 3c cervical cancer in July 2020.

A cervical cancer survivor returned to thank staff at who cared for her at Royal Derby Hospital and to donate copies of her new book which documents her treatment journey.

A Clinical Nurse Specialist whose hard work and passion for her patients has provided a ‘lifeline’ for women recently diagnosed with cancer, has won an award for her innovative work.

Sam Foster, Gynae Clinical Nurse Specialist at Royal Derby Hospital, has been awarded the Making a Digital Difference Award for her work that has seen her introduce and lead on various digital platforms that have improved communication and patient experience for ladies with Gynaecological cancer.

The role of the cancer navigator involves being the first point of contact for patients and their loved ones, offering support and guidance through their entire cancer journey from diagnosis, through treatment, to living with and beyond cancer.

The Derby Gynaecology Oncology Centre, which is based at Royal Derby Hospital, has been recognised by the European Society of Gynaecological Oncologists (ESGO) for providing exceptional care and delivering better outcomes as a result of more comprehensive surgery for ovarian cancer. This makes the Trust one of only 47 such centres in Europe to be recognised by ESGO.