UCI Health panel of experts share insights into women’s health and wellness
Public invited to learn more about specialized care specifically for women
May 10, 2016
UCI Health invites the public to learn more about the latest advances in women’s health and wellness that help promote successful midlife transitions. A panel of experts will share their insights into leading-edge prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for gynecological cancers, pelvic floor disorders and cardiovascular disease at 7 p.m., May 23 at the Newport Beach Central Library.
The women’s health panel features gynecological oncologist Dr. Leslie Randall, associate professor, UCI Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; urogynecologist Dr. Felicia Lane, clinical professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Dr. Shaista Malik, director of the UCI Health Preventive Cardiology Program. The panel discussion is part of the library’s lecture series, “Medicine in our backyard: the leading edge.”
A wide range of changes happen to women’s body during their lifetimes, in different forms and at different rates. The panel topics focus on the reproductive system and the heart, the health factors most closely associated with successful aging.
“The most common forms of gynecologic cancer are, uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers,” Randall said. “Each is different and has its own set of risk factors, early detection and prevention strategies. Some gynecologic cancers are even genetically inherited. As with all cancers, the earlier the diagnosis, the more effective the treatment, but treatments are improving, partly as a result of the work being done here at UC Irvine.”
“Pelvic function problems are more likely to happen as women age, because the supporting structure in the pelvis may weaken due to a variety of reasons including multiple pregnancies, childbirth and heavy lifting,” Lane said. “Surgical and non-surgical treatments are available, and with early intervention, most pelvic floor disorders can be successfully treated.”
“We need to raise awareness about the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of women,” Malik said. “The risk is still largely underestimated by the majority of women, who do not perceive heart disease as one of their primary health concerns. Focusing on heart health can provide a window for achieving overall wellness.”
Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentations.
The Newport Beach Central Library is located at 1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
UCI Health comprises the clinical, medical education and research enterprises of the University of California, Irvine. Patients can access UCI Health at physician offices throughout Orange County and at its main campus, UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, Calif., a 411-bed acute care hospital that provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, and behavioral health and rehabilitation services. U.S. News & World Report has listed it among America’s Best Hospitals for 15 consecutive years. UC Irvine Medical Center features Orange County’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program, Level I trauma center and Level II pediatric trauma center, and it is the primary teaching hospital for the UC Irvine School of Medicine. UCI Health serves a region of more than 3 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the University of California, Irvine: Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.
