Together in the Fight: Gynecologic Cancer Support

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. In this special episode of The Vitals, Mount Sinai experts Dr. Shari Brasner (Obstetrics & Gynecology) and Dr. Alison Snow (Oncology & Supportive Care) discuss the latest in gynecologic cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options, survivorship, and patient support programs.

They highlight key issues surrounding ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer—as well as the emotional, physical, and social impact of these diagnoses on patients and families. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care and the role of support programs in improving quality of life.

👉 Learn more about our panelists:

• Dr. Alison Snow
• Dr. Shari Brasner

💜 Explore Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program, offering peer-to-peer mentoring for women in treatment for gynecologic cancers.

📺 Watch more episodes of The Vitals on Youtube here.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction: Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
• 1:05 Meet Dr. Shari Brasner & Dr. Alison Snow
• 2:05 Dr. Brasner's journey from physician to patient
• 4:30 Emergency surgery and rare cancer diagnosis
• 7:10 Beginning treatment and navigating life as a patient
• 9:40 The role of medical networks and support in survivorship
• 12:45 Introduction to the Woman to Woman program
• 15:20 Patient stories and family connections to cancer care
• 18:10 Mentorship, survivorship, and hope for patients
• 21:00 Financial, emotional, and practical support services
• 24:00 Wig program and mentoring training for survivors
• 27:20 Community outreach, prevention, and HPV education
• 30:45 Risk factors, misconceptions, and lifestyle choices
• 34:00 The importance of support, advocacy, and awareness
• 36:20 FInal reflections: "You are never alone"