20 September, 2023
One in three mistakenly believe cervical screening checks for all gynaecological cancers
World Gynaecological Day aims to raise awareness of Gynaecological Cancers
TODAY: September 20th, the 5th World Gynaecologic Oncology Day, patients and advocates around the globe will unite to raise awareness about all the symptoms of all five gynaecologic cancers (ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulva and vaginal) and their risk factors. World GO Day aims to educate people worldwide about the importance of sharing information about symptoms, treatment, prevention and testing.
In Ireland, over 1400 gynaecological cancers are diagnosed annually (NCRI 2020 Annual Report), representing over 12% of female cancers. In Northern Ireland an average of 591 gynaecological cancers are diagnosed per year, representing 12% of all female cancers. Ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vagina and vulva cancers are among the most common cancers affecting women, but public awareness of these cancers remains worryingly low.
Research commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO), about gynaecological cancers shows that one in three Irish women (34%) mistakenly believe that cervical screening checks for all five gynaecological cancers. It is important for women to understand that cervical screening checks whether a woman is at risk of having cervical cancer and there is no screening test for the other gynaecological cancers which is why it is important to be aware of the symptoms and if you experience persistent symptoms longer than two weeks you should talk to your GP.
Symptoms of gynaecologic cancer vary, depending on the type of cancer.
For more information, please see www.thisisgo.ie