14 July, 2025
The International Gynaecologic Cancer Society is honoured to announce that the Irish Society of Gynaecological Oncology Public and Patient Involvement group (ISGOPPI) has been selected as one of three recipients of the 2025 Dicey Scroggins Distinguished Advocate Award.
Led by visionary co-founders Dr. Sharon O’Toole, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute and Yvonne O’Meara, UCD, ISGOPPI has become Ireland’s national leader in centering the patient voice within gynaecologic cancer care, education, and research. The group operates under the umbrella of the Irish Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ISGO), a multidisciplinary society encompassing all gynaecologic cancers. ISGOPPI has forged a strong, collaborative model for public and patient involvement that is transforming how ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers are understood, experienced, and addressed.
Through ground-breaking initiatives such as the ThisIsGO.ie platform, the OvaCare navigation program, and nationwide awareness campaigns, ISGOPPI has built a powerful community of advocates, researchers, and survivors. Since its founding in 2016, the group has trained more than 100 patient partners in research methods, enabling true co-production of national policy, public education, and scientific discovery. Their work has contributed to earlier detection, better survivorship, and greater empowerment for women across Ireland and beyond.
Speaking about Dr Sharon O’Toole said “I am honoured and humbled to accept this prestigious international Dicey Scroggins award with my colleague Yvonne O Meara. To be recognised in the name of an amazing lady who left such a profound effect is something we will treasure. The award is a reminder of the tireless and courageous efforts of advocates across the globe and the power of the “patient voice”. While we lead the ISGOPPI group, we are cognisant that the success of the group is down to our inspiring members who are dedicated to improving outcomes for others impacted by gynaecological cancer and to our clinical colleagues who continuously support our efforts.
We would like to thank the selection committee and those who nominated us and we will strive to uphold Dicey’s legacy as we move forward.”
ISGOPPI’s success is rooted in the passion and generosity of its members, their willingness to share their stories and expertise, and the dedication of healthcare professionals committed to improving outcomes through partnership. The legacy of this group—and of Sharon and Yvonne’s leadership—is perhaps best measured in the lives they’ve touched: from individual patients finding community and strength, to national health systems shaped by survivor voices, to international collaborations inspired by their inclusive approach.
Through compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to equity, ISGOPPI truly embodies the spirit of Dicey Scroggins. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary contributions to gynaecologic cancer advocacy.
For more information see: https://isgo.ie/