Awareness varies among of five main gynaecological cancers, research shows
As World Gynaecological Oncology Day approaches (September 20), new research has shown significant gaps in awareness of the five main gynaecological cancers in Ireland.
The research was commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology, which says that around 2,000 gynaecological cancers are diagnosed each year across the island of Ireland.
They add that while a high number of gynaecological cancers are diagnosed, awareness varied considerably across the five main cancers: vulval, vaginal, cervical, uterine and ovarian.
Just 37% of women that were surveyed had heard of vulva cancer, and this means that around six in ten women had not heard of the disease.
When it came to younger women, awareness was lower. Among those aged 25-34, only 29% had heard of vulva cancer, with uterine cancer awareness lower among those under the age of 45 compared with older women.
The INGO is urging women to know the signs; women are encouraged to speak to their GP or a healthcare professional about unusual changes, which include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after the menopause
- Bleeding between periods or during or after sex
- Persistent or unusual vaginal discharge
- Persistent itching or changes to the vulva skin
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Mairead McMahon, a vulva cancer patient, said: “As a vulva cancer survivor, I would like to urge all women, no matter what age or stage of life, to find out what the symptoms are. Don’t ignore any changes to the vulva. Please see your GP as soon as possible – you will never regret it. The care I received enabled me to not only survive, but thrive. I resumed my career and went on to hold my little granddaughter in my arms.”
Minister for Health, Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, supported the launch of World GO Day with INGO and said:
“I am delighted to support World GO Day and INGO’s important work to raise awareness of all five gynaecological cancers. The research highlights why it is so important that women know the signs and symptoms and feel confident seeking advice from a healthcare professional.
"It is also very welcome to see the European Parliament supporting World GO Day this year, helping to amplify this important message across Europe. I encourage women across Ireland to know the five, know the signs and talk openly about gynaecological health. Greater awareness can help reduce stigma and support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.”
Claire Thompson, Vice President of the Irish Society of Gynaecological Oncology, added: "Knowing the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer is an important part of looking after your health, but our research also highlights a concerning gap in understanding around cervical screening.”
“While it is encouraging that most women recognise CervicalCheck as a programme for cervical cancer prevention, research carried out earlier this year found that almost one in five women believe it screens for all gynaecological cancers. There is currently no screening programme for the other four gynaecological cancers, making it particularly important that women understand the symptoms and know when to seek medical advice”