129. Beyond surviving: What to know about bladder, bowel, sexual health & menopause before pelvic cancer treatment with Nurse Practitioner, Kayla Switlishoff

In this episode I discuss with Kayla Switlishoff, Nurse Practitioner from the radiation oncology team at BC Cancer Kelowna:The benefits of having pelvic health and quality-of-life conversations before cancer treatment beginsHow pelvic cancer treatments can affect bladder and bowel functionPotential changes to sexual health, including pain, vaginal changes, fertilityTreatment-induced menopause and the physical and sexual health changes that can come with itExercise and movement before, during and after cancer treatmentThe role of pelvic health physiotherapy and cancer rehabilitationWhy some side effects may appear during treatment or months to years laterWhat patients can do before treatment to prepare and advocate for their future healthGynecological Life and Ongoing Wellness GLOW) clinic currently being delivered at the BC Cancer Kelowna center to address survivorship concerns with gynecological cancer patients. Kayla Switlishoff is a Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing within the radiation oncology team at BC Cancer Kelowna. She attended Mount Royal University and graduated with her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2013. She then attended the University of British Columbia and obtained her Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner degree in 2021. She started her NP career providing care to underserved populations at Outreach Urban Health as well as working as a NP hospitalist in Vernon Jubilee Hospital. She then followed her passion of women’s health and oncology while completing additional training to start at BC Cancer Kelowna in 2023 and currently works with the gynecological and genitourinary tumour groups. She recently obtained her Menopause Society Certified Prescriber designation and has been one of the co-developers along with Dr. Hamid Raziee of the Gynecological Life and Ongoing Wellness GLOW) clinic currently being delivered at the BC Cancer Kelowna center to address survivorship concerns with gynecological cancer patients. It has been a dream of hers to have a clinic which could address sensitive topics that cancer patients experience in their recovery phase after experiencing similar circumstances with her own health. In her free time, she loves being a mother to her 20-month-old son, baking sourdough, keeping active and spending time with family and friends. For inquires contact BC Cancer (Kelowna): 250-712-3900Please speak with your oncologist for referral to GLOW Support the show