Expert navigation and support for women with ovarian, cervical, uterine, endometrial, and vulval cancers
You do not have to look for answers alone
A gynaecological cancer diagnosis changes your life in an instant. Suddenly, you are expected to make massive decisions about surgeries, scans, and treatments while managing a whirlwind of fear and exhaustion. If you are facing a recurrent disease, that weight can feel twice as heavy, bringing a completely new set of complex treatment choices and advanced care decisions.
In the middle of busy, fast-paced hospital clinics, it is completely normal to feel like your personal questions are left unanswered and your unhurried time to process everything is cut short. As a specialist nurse with decades of experience in gynaecological oncology, I am here to step into that gap with you. Together, we will slow things down, break the medical jargon into plain English, and make sure you feel completely prepared, heard, and supported through every stage of your recovery.
Why Side by Side
Decades of specialist gynaecological oncology experience
Rachel Mugnai
Registered Nurse & Oncology Specialist
I have spent more than two decades working in specialist oncology nursing, with a particular focus on gynaecological cancers — ovarian, cervical, endometrial, womb, vulval, and vaginal. I have worked in some of the UK's leading cancer centres, supporting women through initial diagnosis, complex surgical pathways, recurrence, and advanced disease.
A significant part of my career has been spent working directly within clinical trials teams, where I developed a deep understanding of how experimental treatments are designed, how eligibility criteria are applied, and how to help patients navigate the gap between standard care and cutting-edge options. This experience means I can speak to your specific situation with precision — not in generalities.
Gynaecological cancers carry a particular set of challenges that are rarely discussed openly — sudden surgical menopause, intimacy and body confidence changes, the emotional complexity of treatments that affect fertility and femininity. I have supported hundreds of women through exactly these experiences, and I bring both the clinical fluency and the human understanding needed to make those conversations feel safe.
25+
Years in oncology nursing
UK
Leading cancer centres
CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Understanding Your Choices
Hospital consultations move incredibly fast, and it is easy to leave the clinic feeling confused by medical terms and complex charts. Whether you are dealing with ovarian, cervical, womb, vulval, or endometrial cancer—or navigating a complex recurrence—I will help you look at your pathology reports and treatment timeline in a calm, relaxed space.
Pulling from my direct clinical trials experience, I can help you confidently break down the differences between standard treatments and cutting-edge drug studies, translating trial criteria so you feel completely clear and focused about your upcoming medical options.
Giving you unhurried time to understand your choices and feel in control.
Getting Ready for Your Appointments
Walking into a consultant review can feel really pressurised. It is very common to freeze in the moment, only to remember your biggest worries after the doctor has already left the room.
While I don't contact your hospital teams directly, I work closely with you and your family behind the scenes to script your questions, organise your thoughts, and give you the exact language you need to confidently advocate for your care.
Empowering you to stay in control and get your biggest worries heard.
Cancer and Menopause & Intimacy Support
Hospital teams are excellent at treating cancer, but they rarely have the time to help with the deeply personal physical side effects that can turn your life upside down at home. Pelvic surgeries, radiation, and hormone treatments frequently trigger sudden, aggressive cancer-induced menopause or difficult changes to your body confidence and physical comfort.
I offer completely confidential, sensitive psychosexual guidance and safe, evidence-based symptom support so you can reclaim your comfort and connection.
Restoring your physical wellness, relationship connection, and confidence.
Ready to feel supported?
Not sure where to start? A free 30-minute call with Rachel costs nothing and will help you understand exactly what specialist nurse support looks like for your situation.