CONVERSATIONS with Dr. Namita Khanna
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening (Pap and HPV tests). Emory Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Gynecologic Oncology Division has offered services at Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Emory University Hospital since 1974. The division of gynecologic oncology is fortunate to have close relationships with internationally respected investigative scientists, many of whom are actively engaged in research in the Winship Cancer Institute of the Emory University School of Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Namita Khanna MD, MSPH an Associate Professor for the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Gynecologic Oncology is a Winship Doctor and the Director of the Advanced Pelvic Surgery Fellowship. Recently, Dr. Khanna sat down to provide some insight into how she collaborates with Winship's gynecologic cancer teams to deliver top care to patients with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers.
Q: Dr. Khanna, what do you think some of the most pressing health challenges women face, specifically as it relates to gynecologic cancers?
A: As a gynecologic oncologist I specialize in the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar as well as other gynecologic malignancies. As an oncologist, I feel one of the most significant challenges as pertaining to gynecologic cancers in women is education about screening tests. Just like the Pap test, which is a simple screening test that identifies abnormal cells in the cervix early on before they become cancer.
Q: With challenges this significant how are you and your Gynecologic Oncology colleagues working to address them?
A: I believe if women get appropriate screening with Pap tests, we can identify cervical cancer earlier, and the chances of cure are more at that time. Women should also be educated about the HPV test, they should be talking to their gynecologist when it's appropriate to have the HPV test done. One of the significant challenges in patients who have gynecologic malignancy is also access to appropriate and affordable care. As part as the Winship Cancer Institute, which is an NCI designated comprehensive cancer center, we make sure our patients get comprehensive and coordinated care in every aspect. Our patients have access to latest clinical trials, and our team of oncologists and supportive staff make sure that our patients get the best outcome with these malignancies.
Q: Finally, we have been highlighting Women in Medicine and wanted to know your thoughts about the growing number of women being represented in Medicine?
A: It is really exciting to see more women in medicine. We are seeing more and more women matriculate from medical school, and more residents that are females. It is also exciting to see women choose and represent specialties that were previously completely male dominated. I believe that this is going to lead to a more diverse physician population, which can better serve the needs of a diverse patient population.