The gynecologic oncologist is from Louisville and wants to protect women across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

Published: October 24, 2024

‘I want all women to be protected’

Monica H. Vetter, M.D., gynecologic oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute in Louisville, is on a mission to help prevent cervical cancer across Kentucky.As a Louisville native and graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, she is passionate about caring for other women in her hometown.“I want all women to be protected,” she said. “I want to make sure we’re giving patients the opportunity to be aware and have a good relationship with a physician so they feel like they can advocate for themselves.”Dr. Vetter has experience treating all gynecologic malignancies, including cervical, uterine, ovarian and vulvovaginal cancers. She also specializes in integrating robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic oncology and helps patients gain access to national and international clinical trials. As a subspecialized provider who focuses solely on patients with gynecologic cancers, Dr. Vetter’s has expertise in treating those conditions to give patients better health outcomes.

“They live longer. There’s a higher chance that they’re cured. There’s a higher chance they’re going to be offered an opportunity to get into a clinical trial if they need to,” she said. “That’s why our subspecialty is so important within the Norton Healthcare system — it improves the outcomes of our patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers.”

Kentucky’s high rate of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable, thanks to the screening techniques used by Norton Healthcare providers and facilities. Pap smears can detect abnormal or precancerous cells or HPV infections that can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

“If you can identify these cells early, you can intervene so that a person never goes on to develop cervical cancer,” Dr. Vetter said.
However, Kentucky has one of the worst rates of the disease in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 9.9 cases of cervical cancer per 100,000 women in Kentucky, compared with the national average of just 7 cases per 100,0000.

Kentucky’s higher rate of cervical cancer — fourth worst in the country — is often driven by low adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines, whether it’s due to a lack of access of gynecologic care in rural areas, or simply a busy mom who hasn’t gotten around to making an appointment. Sometimes, people put off the screening because they feel too embarrassed. Dr. Vetter wants to reassure patients that there is no reason to be hesitant. 

“I think there’s a lot of reluctance to talk about cervical cancer and Pap smears, because getting a Pap smear is very intimate with your physician. It can be something people think is embarrassing, because, as a society, we don’t talk about the female reproductive system a lot,” Dr. Vetter said.
Early-stage cervical cancer often has few or no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they’re usually mild, like bleeding during sex or bleeding in between periods, which can be easy to write off as “normal” or not worth bringing up with a health care provider.

“Women may chalk it up to, ‘Oh, I just had an irregular period this month,’ or “My cycles are just a little bit off.’ And if you’re a busy, working woman, you may not even really notice it,” Dr. Vetter said.

Preventing cervical cancer today

Women should be screened for cervical cancer starting at age 21. Patients between the ages of 21 and 29 should receive a Pap smear every three years, while ages 30 to 64 should get a Pap smear with an HPV screening every five years, or a Pap smear every three years.
 
If abnormal cells are detected early, there are surgical interventions that can prevent the development of cervical cancer. Norton Cancer Institute offers cancer patients the most modern treatments and access to hundreds of clinical trials. Dr. Vetter estimates she is one of a relatively small number of gynecologic oncologists in Kentucky. She knows how important it is to establish a comfortable rapport with patients and strives to make every person comfortable discussing sensitive issues about their reproductive health.

“When our relationship is based on transparency and trust, it’s better for everyone,” she said. “Being approachable, straightforward and thoughtful goes a long way when caring for someone.”

Monica H. Vetter, M.D., is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute. Dr. Vetter earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. Dr. Vetter is a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Medical Association, and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.