Who we are.
The CSRA Gynecological Cancer Support Group is a nonprofit organization based in Augusta, Georgia providing structured education and support for women with gynecologic cancers. This Group was founded in February 2004 by Dr. Sharad Ghamande, who is Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (AU). Dr. Ghamande also serves as the Associate Director for Clinical Research at the Georgia Cancer Center (GCC). The CSRA Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets monthly at the Daksha Chudgar Lydia House in Augusta, Georgia and works with patients, families, and caregivers to provide support and a safe forum for kindred spirits fighting gynecological cancers. Newly diagnosed women can connect with survivors who have been through the same angst of diagnosis, chemotherapy, and treatments with our “buddy system” that pairs a patient with a similar diagnosis to act as a mentor.
The CSRA Gynecological Cancer Support Group is one of the largest national grassroot level groups for women with cancer of the female reproductive tract. The mission is to promote awareness about gynecological cancers through patient education, community, and research programs, especially serving the minority and underserved population in the CSRA and South Georgia. Dr. Sharad Ghamande, is the Principal Investigator for the MU-NCORP at the Georgia Cancer Center and has been awarded a five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute for promoting minority participation in clinical trials. He also serves on the board for the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology GASCO and the Georgia CORE to lobby and facilitate high quality and compassionate cancer care in the state.
What makes us different?
Gynecologic Oncology Physicians and Staff at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University are all an integral and vital part of the CSRA Gynecological Cancer Support Group. Dr. Sharad Ghamande, Dr. Bunja Rungruang, Dr. Robert Higgins, and Dr. Symmes Johnson see approximately 6,000 patient visits annually at the Georgia Cancer Center. They are also active in the community and have another 2,500 patient visits at Augusta Oncology and operate out of Doctors and University Hospital. We are the only Gynecologic Oncology Physicians within a 120-mile radius of the CSRA and care for patients throughout South Carolina and South Georgia.
The Georgia Cancer Center offers a wide range of cutting edge clinical trials for women with gynecologic cancers and is a premier destination in the Southeastern portion of the United States. We routinely have women from South Carolina and South Georgia participate in clinical trials at Georgia Cancer Center in Augusta, Georgia. We can promote hope by facilitating travel expenses and lodging for patients from areas like Albany, Valdosta, Thomasville, Athens, Savannah, and Atlanta. Patients from areas as far as Birmingham, Houston, California, and Canada traveled to Augusta to participate in an advanced cervical cancer trial with a novel vaccine. Over the last 12 years, approximately 500 patients across Georgia have participated in clinical trials that offer hope to women with gynecological cancers.
The CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group had a large role in establishing and partnering with the Daksha Chudgar Lydia House in Augusta, Georgia. The Daksha Chudgar Lydia House provides free overnight lodging and services for women with cancer enabling them to have chemotherapy, surgery or daily radiation treatments in Augusta, Georgia. The CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group contributes annually to the Daksha Chudgar Lydia House. Dr. Ghamande is a board member and a key facilitator in helping with patient accommodations.
Our impact on the local community.
“To create an extended family that fosters a nurturing environment for gynecologic oncology patients and their loved ones; to provide a safe space for expression of feelings, thoughts, needs, and concerns; to be a resource in the community for compassionate assistance, education, and innovations in the fight against cancer; and to be a community of hope and fellowship to uplift all our lives.” – Dr. Sharad Ghamande, Director
The CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group meets monthly at the Daksha Chudgar Lydia House every 3rd Monday evening. Topics discussed in the past include clinical trials, gynecological cancer and prevention, sexual functioning, making wills, Yoga, and Tai Chi. Approximately 30 patients and caregivers, attend monthly Support Group meetings, on special occasions around 70- 80 patients attend. Patients have expressed that attending monthly meetings helps them gain a sense of empowerment, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps them to talk openly about options and their personal experiences. Since inception of the group, there have been over 4000 patient and caregiver encounters with a core of about 350 patients. Additionally, we have an “invisible” group of patients that do not attend the group meetings; but are a big part of the “buddy system” and volunteer to reach out and help specific patients in need.
The featured “buddy system” plays a major role in helping the women of the CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group overcome the fear of the unknown. The buddy system pairs a patient with similar diagnosis and treatments to act as a mentor, provide encouragement, and support through this difficult process.
Local Impact in Education and Awareness.
The CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group patients and physicians actively increase awareness about the incidence, screening, prevention, and treatment of gynecologic cancers statewide through symposiums, Newspaper and Television outlets. This is particularly important as parts of Georgia and South Carolina often have poor screening rates and awareness leading to late diagnosis and increased mortality for gynecological cancers
CSRA GYN Cancer Support Group
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