January marks Cervical Health Awareness Month across the United States where every year more than 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Though cervical cancer is among the most common cancers for women, it also is one of the most successfully treatable cancers when detected early, which is why awareness of the risk factors is so important along with early identification and treatment.
Access to prompt care is now more readily available to West Michigan women as Holland Hospital recently welcomed board-certified and fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist, Kevin Brader, MD, to Holland Hospital Women’s Specialty Care.
In collaboration with University of Michigan Health-West, Dr. Brader brings a wealth of cancer treatment experience to the West Michigan lakeshore area, including providing specialized care and treatments for uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers and seeing patients for second opinions. His team walks alongside patients through every step of the treatment process — from testing, evaluation, and surgery to chemotherapy and recovery.
“Data shows that if a gynecologic oncologist is involved in the patient’s care from the diagnosis, then the patient is more likely to have a positive outcome,” said Kevin Brader, MD. “We want women to feel comfortable—and comforted—while navigating this challenging time in their life.”
Dr. Brader’s professional motivation is rooted in personal experience. After witnessing several family members battling cancer during his childhood, he was moved to specialize in gynecologic oncology. This early on first-hand background impacts how he interacts with patients today.
“I made a commitment that patients are seen almost immediately upon being referred to us, usually within a week,” he shared. “In these situations, people are often afraid and want to begin planning. That immediacy is something patients may not find elsewhere.”
Holland Hospital Women’s Specialty Care provides a variety of specialized health care services to women across the lakeshore. In addition to Dr. Brader, the team includes board-certified ob/gyn and menopause practitioner Barb DePree, MD, nurse practitioners Lindsey Jonker and Hannah Clark, and clinical psychologist Patricia Roehling.
“Dr. Brader brings decades of experience to our Women’s Specialty Care team and will allow women to be seen locally and begin treatment faster,” said Michelle Doctor, vice president of Holland Hospital Medical Group. “We are pleased to partner with Dr. Brader to offer women such important, lifesaving gynecological care close to home,” Doctor added.
For more information about the services Dr. Brader offers or Holland Hospital Women’s Specialty Care, you can call the office at (616) 748-5785 or visit hollandhospital.org/gynonc.