Gynecologic Cancer Support Group Forming at Health Center

Nurse practitioner Karen Metersky, patient Zana Khan, and patient navigator Pam Nixon listen to clinical research assistant Melissa Parente. Parente, Metersky and Nixon organized the gynecologic cancer support group that holds its first meeting April 26. (Chris Defrancesco/UConn Health Center Photo)

Hoping to build off the success of other recently formed patient-led support groups, the UConn Health Center is offering one for those touched by a gynecologic cancer.

The new group, in partnership with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, holds its first meeting Thursday, April 26, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Health Center’s Onyiuke Dining Room.

“We work together to support our patients but we would like to give more emotional support, says Melissa Parente, a clinical research associate in the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office. “These are wonderful people who truly fight for their lives. A support group lets them know that they are not alone, that there are others in similar situations, and provide comfort, support and advice during these most difficult times.”

The group is open to women who have or have had ovarian, endometrial, cervical, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer, as well as caregivers and family members.

“And we’re encouraging men to come too,” says Pam Nixon, the William Raveis-American Cancer Society patient navigator at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Nixon, who in the last year and a half helped organize support groups for bladder cancer and head and neck cancer, says the response to those groups inspired clinical staff to form one for gynecologic cancer.

“Explaining to our patients what they are about to go through or are going through sometimes is not enough,” says nurse practitioner Karen Metersky, who with Parente and Nixon was instrumental in organizing the group. “With this support group they will get to talk to other people who are living it every day just like them. They will share a special bond that is both comforting and supportive.”

Drs. Molly Brewer and Angela Kueck, both experts in gynecologic oncology, also are closely involved with the support group.

“GYN cancer covers all different ages and diagnoses, and some very complex cases,” Nixon says. “This eventually may spin off into some subgroups, but it will be one group to help get them started, with a first meeting to share stories and realize there are other people going through similar situations.”