Fayetteville, Ga. (October 2, 2024) – Over 34,000 women died of a gynecologic cancer each year. Mitzie-Ann Davis, M.D., MPH, FACOG, a gynecologic oncologist and surgeon at Piedmont Fayette Hospital, knows the best way to reduce that alarming statistic is by bringing awareness to gynecologic cancers and their risk factors.

“Far too often, women don’t know what the risk factors or symptoms are for diseases such as cervical cancer or ovarian cancer,” said Dr. Davis. “This prevents them from catching the disease early, which in turn makes the disease harder to treat.”

Dr. Davis, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, continually looks for ways to improve as both a surgeon and a physician, staying abreast with the latest advances in medicine. She believes that genetic testing is one resource that could be used more often. She also keeps abreast of clinical trials taking place at Piedmont.

Dr. Davis discussed symptoms, risk factors and treatments for all gynecologic cancers at a lunch and learn event in September. Forty-eight women were in attendance and also heard testimony from survivors of endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer. The main takeaway was for women to maintain regular appointments with their primary care physicians and gynecologists and to be aware of changes to their bodies.

“In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 115,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer,” said Dr. Davis. “The earlier that cancer can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chance for a successful treatment. We can find it earlier if our patients know what to look for.”

For more information about oncology services at Piedmont, visit piedmont.org/cancer.