World Gynaecologic Oncology Day on 20th September every year is becoming a perfect partner to the more established World Ovarian Cancer Day on 8th May, annually. The Foundation once again joined with a growing number of patient organisations, research bodies and care centres to mark this day by coming together to raise awareness of the gynae cancers – cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulval – and to highlight the risk factors, symptoms, early detection and prevention strategies.
Over 1400 gynaecological cancers are diagnosed in Ireland annually, representing over 12% of female cancers. This year World GO day’s message was simple –
Information is power, but communication is the solution!
The call to action for women was DARE TO ASK – encouraging us all to ask questions of our medical and healthcare teams. The Emer Casey Foundation was delighted to participate in the production of a number of information videos featuring questions by patients/advocates including our own Juliette Casey and answers by distinguished medics.
We were also treated to a spectacular array of buildings which lit up in purple to mark World GO Day – with thanks to Breakthrough Cancer Research for compiling these gorgeous images from around the country –
A new first-of-its-kind platform for Ireland providing relevant, reliable and evidence-based information for those affected by cervical cancer was launched to mark World Gynaecological Oncology Day.
The ThisIsGo.ie platform offers a one-stop-shop for helpful resources and advice on cervical cancer as part of the first phase of its development, including over 130 different articles, videos and audio content covering every stage of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life with and after cancer.
The platform has been co-developed by the Irish Cancer Society through its Women’s Health Initiative and support researchers and clinicians in UCD, in close collaboration with women and families directly affected by cervical cancer, and supported by Pfizer.
The launch marks the first phase of the innovative platform, and it is hoped to add further specific sections on other gynaecological cancers including ovarian, endometrial, vulval and vaginal cancers in future.