Navigating Cervical Cancer: Screening, Surgery, and Shared Decision-Making in Women’s Oncology

07/05/2025 59 min

Listen "Navigating Cervical Cancer: Screening, Surgery, and Shared Decision-Making in Women’s Oncology"

Episode Synopsis

Dr. Shannon McLaughlin-David discusses the complexities of cervical cancer, HPV, and the role of gynecologic oncology. The dialogue explores the emotional and clinical challenges faced by both patients and clinicians, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and empathy in patient care. The discussion also highlights the various types of gynecologic cancers, surgical interventions, and the difficult decisions patients must make regarding their treatment options. This conversation delves into the complexities of patient autonomy, the emotional challenges faced by oncologists, and the systemic incentives within healthcare that can impact patient care. The discussion also covers the evolution of cervical cancer screening guidelines, the role of HPV in cervical cancer, and the importance of patient advocacy and education regarding vaccination.About Our Guest:Shannon MacLaughlan David, MD, MS is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and Founder of SMacDavidMD, LLC, a Coaching and Consulting firm. Following her residency in Ob/Gyn, Dr. MacLaughlan David went on to complete fellowship training in Gynecologic and Breast Oncology at Alpert Medical School of Brown University and spent her career in academic medicine at Stanford University's School of Medicine and the University of Illinois - Chicago. She also holds a master's degree in integrative medicine, which she used to build innovative clinical practice models for gynecologic cancer survivors as Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Integrative Practice Unit at the University of Illinois Cancer Center. Shannon, or "SMac," is a fierce advocate for women's health, cancer prevention and survivorship, and health equity.  Resources & Links:This episode was supported by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and features the PCORI research study here: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33632649/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1746483503903350&usg=AOvVaw0SNo_jk-rzoVp85P5E3s6F ‘Effect of 2 Interventions on Cervical Cancer Screening Guideline Adherence’Chapter Codes00:00 Introduction to Cervical Cancer and HPV02:49 The Journey to Gynecologic Oncology05:57 Understanding Gynecologic Cancers09:05 Surgical Interventions in Gynecologic Oncology11:59 The Complexity of Patient Decisions15:07 Patient-Clinician Communication Challenges17:45 The Role of Empathy in Oncology21:05 Navigating Hormonal Treatments and Patient Reactions27:30 Navigating Patient Autonomy and Medical Ethics29:47 The Emotional Toll of Oncology33:00 Understanding the Healthcare System's Incentives35:58 The Role of Patient Advocacy39:05 The Evolution of Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines51:46 HPV and Its Impact on Cervical Cancer54:48 Current Screening Protocols and HPV VaccinationConnect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @mantacares and visit our website at mantacares.com for more episodes and updates.Disclaimer:All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.This episode was supported by an award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

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