Ep. 502 Why Ovarian Cancer Is So Hard to Diagnose – Inside the Complex World of Gynecologic Oncology with Rachel Frankenthal, PA-C

Today, I am honored to connect with Rachel Frankenthal, a board-certified physician assistant with a master's degree in public health, specializing in gynecologic oncology. Rachel is on the staff at UCLA Health, where she treats women with gynecologic cancers and women at high risk for uterine or ovarian cancer due to genetic mutations or a strong family history. 

In our discussion, we unpack GYN oncology, covering the five GYN cancers, why ovarian cancer is the silent killer, and the labs and ultrasounds to help screen for ovarian cancer. We dive into genetics, including BRCA mutations and Lynch syndrome, appropriate genetic counseling, and what Rachel considers when dealing with younger patients still at peak fertility versus older patients. We explore the importance of HRT utilization for cancer previvors, the effects of pelvic radiation, vaginal and sexual health, and what thriving looks like after cancer. Rachel shares her stepwise approach to hot flashes, and we also discuss the importance of lifestyle, bone health, and specific research on the benefits of GLP-1s for women with ovarian and endometrial cancer. 

This conversation is especially relevant as we are in GYN and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I look forward to having Rachel back again, hopefully later this fall, to discuss the use of hormone replacement therapy with GYN oncology survivors.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

• How the lack of effective screening makes ovarian cancer hard to detect due to 

• How BRCA and Lynch syndrome influence cancer risk and treatment choices

• The benefits of HRT for cancer previvors

• Risks that arise from surgical menopause without sufficient or properly dosed HRT

• Why less than 50% of eligible women actually receive hormone therapy

• How pelvic radiation impacts menopause, vaginal tissue, bladder, and GI health

• The support that is crucial for cancer survivors after pelvic radiation

• Lifestyle factors to improve cancer treatment outcomes  

• Rachel shares her stepwise approach to managing hot flashes 

• What GLP-1 research reveals about reducing ovarian cancer mortality and endometrial cancer risk

Bio: Rachel Frankenthal

Rachel Frankenthal is a board-certified and licensed Physician Associate and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with a Master's in Public Health. She specializes in gynecologic oncology, treating women with gynecologic cancers as well as women at high risk for uterine or ovarian cancer due to genetic mutations.

Rachel has a special passion for menopause and midlife women's healthcare. She developed the menopause clinic for gynecologic cancer survivors and previvors at UCLA and has played an integral role in developing the GYN cancer survivorship program, where she teaches the weekly yoga and meditation class.

Rachel lectures at UCLA and across the country on the importance of comprehensive menopause care in cancer survivorship and has created a course on hormone therapy for gynecologic cancer survivors through the Heather Hirsch Academy. In addition to being a medical practitioner, Rachel is a certified yoga and Pilates instructor, a prior Broadway performer, and an advocate for integrative, holistic health.

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