Gynecologic Cancer Team
For questions or to make an appointment, please call (925) 947-3322
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Thousands of women have chosen the Gynecologic Cancer team at John Muir Health for their expertise in treating ovarian, uterine, cervical and vaginal cancers, and other disorders of the female reproductive system. In addition to providing access to the latest medical advances, the team brings a compassionate and caring approach to walking you through the process and keeping you informed and involved in all health care decisions. At John Muir Health, our Gynecologic Cancer team listens, explains and is with you every step of the way.
WHAT WOMEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
Gynecologic cancer includes the five main types of cancer that affect a woman’s reproductive organs: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. In the United States, it is estimated that annually there will be about 100,000 new cases of gynecologic cancers diagnosed and approximately 30,000 deaths will occur.
Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs, symptoms, and risk factors that increase your chance of getting cancer. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, and risk increases with age. When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment can be most effective. Currently, only cervical cancer has a screening test that can find this cancer early. For the other gynecologic cancers, it is important to recognize the warning signs and learn if there are things you can do to reduce the risk.
FINDING SPECIALIZED CARE
Studies have shown that the best results occur when a patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists in a high patient volume setting. Key to treatment success is the role of the gynecologic oncologist. Gynecologic oncologists are initially trained as obstetrician/gynecologists and then undergo three to five more years of specialized education in all of the effective forms of treatment for gynecologic cancers (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and experimental treatments). Care provided by gynecologic oncologists has been shown to improve the survival rates of women with high-risk gynecological cancer. Even patients in rural settings without easy access to a gynecologic oncologist should be referred to health care centers that provide such services.
Carolyn Berson, R.N., M.S.N.
Gynecologic Oncology Nurse Navigator
Ms. Berson received her RN Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the intercollegiate program at Samuel Merritt University and Saint Mary’s College. She received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Hawaii. Ms. Berson has been part of the John Muir Health team since 2002.
Dimitry Lerner, M.D.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Lerner completed medical school at the Sackler School of Medicine. He completed his Internship and Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and his Fellowship Training at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Lerner is certified by the American Board of Gynecologic Oncology. He provides compassionate specialty care for women with Gynecologic Cancers and complex Gynecologic conditions. His expertise includes ovarian cancer surgery, Hyperthermic Intra-Peritoneal Chemotharpy (HIPEC) and daVinci® Robotic Surgery.
Babak Edraki, M.D.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Edraki completed medical school at the George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his Internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, his Residency at Stanford University Medical Center, and his fellowship at Yale University. Dr. Edraki is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Obestrics and Gynecology as well as Gynecologic Oncology. He provies specialty services in advanced Ovarian Cancer, Vulvar Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, Hyperthermic Intra-Peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and daVinci® Robotic Surgery.