Kristin Rojas, MD, FACS

Managing the Side Effects of Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:08:51 +0000

Drs. Hope Rugo and Kristin Rojas discuss advances in the management of menopausal symptoms, fertility preservation, and bone health for women on endocrine therapy for breast cancer. The discussion covers management approaches for vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, bone health, and fertility concerns, providing valuable guidance for improving patients’ quality of life and adherence to treatment. Tune in for expert insights and practical strategies for oncologists and healthcare providers. Listen to the podcast here:

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Better Sexual Health for Women Taking Hormonal Therapy

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:55:43 +0000

Hormonal therapy can cause a number of troubling issues for women, including loss of libido, hot flashes, and pain during sex. At the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Dr. Kristin Rojas chaired a session called “A Juggling Act: Managing the Toxicity of Estrogen Deprivation for Patients With Breast Cancer.” Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Rojas explain: Listen to the podcast here:

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Holistic Approaches to Sexual Health in Breast Cancer Care

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:38:27 +0000

Dr. Kristin Rojas’ paper on endocrine therapy entails how HR+ breast cancer reduces recurrence but causes adverse effects like hot flashes, bone loss, joint pain, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), impacting adherence. Surgeons play a key role in identifying and managing these issues with evidence-based treatments, including non-hormonal medications for hot flashes, bisphosphonates for bone health, and acupuncture or duloxetine for joint pain. Sexual health concerns, such as GSM and low libido, require a holistic approach, including avoiding irritants, using moisturizers and lubricants, and addressing pelvic floor dysfunction. While vaginal estrogen or DHEA may help, their use must be carefully considered. Non-FDA-approved treatments lack strong evidence. Surgeons should normalize discussions, encourage symptom reporting, and refer patients to specialists when needed to improve treatment adherence and quality of life. For more information, view her paper here:

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Dr. Kristin Rojas Receives Grant to Investigate the Role Opioids May Play in Breast Cancer

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:20:55 +0000

Dr. Kristin Rojas has received a $375,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute’s Early-Stage Surgeon Scientist Program to study how perioperative opioids may influence breast cancer progression through the gut microbiome. Building on previous research by Dr. Sabita Roy, which links opioids to gut microbiome disruption and systemic inflammation, Dr. Rojas aims to explore whether these changes adversely affect hormone-sensitive breast cancer. The study leverages a unique patient division—those receiving more vs. fewer surgical opioids—to examine potential effects on cancer outcomes. With additional training support and collaboration with Dr. Roy and Dr. Nipun Merchant, Dr. Rojas hopes this project will provide crucial data to inform future NIH grants and lead to interventions preventing opioid-induced cancer risks. news.med.miami.edu/how-opioids-influence-breast-cancer/

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Dr. Kristin Rojas at Miami Breast Cancer Conference 2025

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:39:32 +0000

Dr. Kristin Rojas will be conducting two different talks at the 42nd Annual Miami Breast Cancer Conference® on March 6-9, 2025, in Miami Beach, Florida. This prestigious event gathers oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, geneticists, and other specialists to discuss the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment. For more details, visit the official Miami Breast Cancer Conference® website. Evidence-based Therapies and Not-So-Magic Cures for Sexual Health Concerns After Breast Cancer: Saturday, March 8th, 2:40 PM Estrogens and Androgens in Patients With ER+ Breast Cancer: Sunday, March 9th, 9:00 AM Healthcare providers can register for FREE with the code “ROJAS”.

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FDA Warning: Ineffectiveness of Vaginal Laser Procedures

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:10:10 +0000

Kristin E. Rojas’ article, “The FDA needs to take another look at laser-based ‘vaginal rejuvenation’” (Feb. 22, 2022), discusses concerns regarding the use of laser and energy-based devices marketed for vaginal rejuvenation and related procedures. The article criticizes the widespread promotion and use of laser-based “vaginal rejuvenation” procedures, arguing they are both ineffective and dangerous. Despite being advertised in medical spas, online, and even some doctors’ offices as treatments for vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and improved vaginal tightness, these procedures lack rigorous scientific evidence and can cause severe side effects, including burns, scarring, and chronic pain. Rojas warns that misleading marketing preys on women seeking relief from vaginal discomfort, particularly cancer survivors. Without stronger regulation, more women may suffer unnecessary harm from ineffective and potentially dangerous procedures. Read the FDA Letters here:

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LEAKY BLADDERS a.k.a. urinary incontinence

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 20:35:26 +0000

For our TENTH episode of the Real Women’s Health Podcast, we discuss leaky bladders! What is that? How common is this problem? How do we treat women with overactive bladder or leaking urine with coughing and sneezing? My colleague Dr. Katherine Amin is a board-certified female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery specialist at the University of Miami. She specializes in pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, minimally invasive surgery/robotic surgery, neurourology, fecal incontinence, transvaginal mesh complications, and obstetric fistula. Follow her on Insta or Twitter @katherineaminmd You can also listen to the Real Women’s Health Podcast on pretty much every platform where podcasts are found. Search for Kristin Rojas or Real Women’s Health and enjoy the rest of the episodes. Also on Youtube!

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Regaining intimacy after cancer

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 22:46:12 +0000

I was invited to produce a video speaking about “Regaining Intimacy After Cancer” for an online series called “The Future is Female”. Click here to download my videos speaking about this topic. Sexual dysfunction during and after cancer treatment is extremely common, oftentimes not addressed, and complicated. In fact, more than 60% of cancer survivors report some element of sexual dysfunction. When you provide women with the right resources, education, and social support, they are capable of extraordinary things. We’re at a critical point in time – Whether it’s focusing on maternal morbidity and mortality, demands on women in the workforce, or the lack of innovation in women’s health, The Future is Female initiative aims to elevate these much-needed conversations. Click here to download my videos talking about Click here to learn more about this initiative and listen to all the talks

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Addressing Women’s Sexual Health During Breast Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 22:27:00 +0000

In this episode of SurgOnc Today®, Dr. Jennifer Plichta is joined by Dr. Ann Partridge and Dr. Kristin Rojas to discuss practical pearls for addressing women’s sexual health concerns during breast cancer treatment and prevention using case-based discussions to illustrate common scenarios that breast surgeons may encounter in their clinic. These may include managing sexual health concerns in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting, as well as how to approach symptom management for patients seen in a high-risk program. Click here to listen to the Podcast Episode

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SSO Podcast – Opioid-sparing breast cancer surgery

Kristin Rojas M.D. — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:13:00 +0000

Speaking of SurgOnc® is a podcast brought to you by the Annals of Surgical Oncology (ASO) and the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO). The series is hosted by ASO Deputy Editor Dr. Frederick L. (Rick) Greene, who will expand upon ideas from articles published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. Episode 27 of Speaking of SurgOnc, Rick Greene, MD interviews me, to discuss the implementation of an opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia protocol for lumpectomy patients for pain management without a routine opioid prescription. The science behind our discussion can be found in my article “Opioid-Sparing Multimodal Analgesia Protocol for Lumpectomy Patients Results in Superior Postoperative Pain Control.” Click here to listen to the Podcast Episode

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