Shannon N. Westin, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine
Division of Surgery
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Dr. Westin is highly recommended as one of the best doctors in the country, from what is considered the number one cancer center in America. Dr. Westin is a clinical investigator with a focus on developmental therapeutics and the use of biomarkers to predict response and recurrence in gynecologic cancers.

We met with Dr. Westin to help us understand the various cancers that can affect a woman. Throughout our conversation with her she stressed the importance for women not to overlook what could be symptoms of ovarian cancer. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially with a disease whose symptoms are not easily identifiable.

Our conversation with Dr. Westin opened the door to understanding just how unpredictable cancer can be in women and the importance of getting checked if you feel something may be wrong.

Each year, nearly 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It is the fifth leading cancer killer among women with most women who develop ovarian cancer being over the age of 60. Progress in improving the five-year survival rate continues to improve, and Dr. Westin at MD Anderson is helping lead the way with her research in the area.

According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center website, most of the symptoms that women may experience are very vague. They include: general abdominal discomfort or pain, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue among others.

We are very grateful to Dr. Westin for being a part of this series.