New research has highlighted significant gaps in awareness of the five main gynaecological cancers among women in Ireland.
The findings have been released ahead of World Gynaecological Oncology Day, also known as World GO Day, which takes place on 20 September.
The international awareness day aims to bring together patients, healthcare professionals, advocates and organisations to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers.
Around 2,000 gynaecological cancers are diagnosed across the island of Ireland each year. However, awareness varies significantly between the five main types: vulva, vaginal, cervical, uterine and ovarian cancer.
Pictured (L-R): Patient advocates Mairead McMahon, Marie Hannon, Anne Nally, Bridget Carr and Catriona Doyle. Photo credit: Barry Cronin
While cervical and ovarian cancers are widely recognised, awareness is considerably lower when it comes to uterine, vaginal and vulva cancers.
Just 37% of women surveyed said they had heard of vulva cancer, meaning around six in 10 women had not heard of the disease.
Awareness was even lower among younger women. Among those aged between 25 and 34, just 29% had heard of vulva cancer.
Awareness of uterine cancer, also known as endometrial or womb cancer, was also lower among women under 45 compared with older women.
The Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) is encouraging women of all ages to become familiar with all five types of gynaecological cancer.
Different cancers can cause different symptoms, but women are being encouraged to speak to their GP or healthcare professional about persistent or unusual changes.
These can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods or during or after sex, unusual vaginal discharge, persistent itching or changes to the vulva, pelvic or abdominal pain, persistent bloating, unexplained weight changes and changes in bowel or bladder habits.
Pictured (L-R): Bridget Carr, Marie Hannon, Mairead McMahon, Catriona Doyle, Anne Nally, Yvonne O’Meara, Dr Sharon O’Toole and Minister for Health Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Photo: Barry Cronin
Women are being urged to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms that are persistent or unusual for them.
Vulva cancer survivor Mairead McMahon is also encouraging women not to ignore changes to their bodies.
“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 research also found that women are using a range of sources to find information about gynaecological health, including online search engines and increasingly, AI tools.
However, healthcare professionals remain one of the most trusted sources of information.
Pictured (L-R): Minister for Health Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Bridget Carr, Marie Hannon, Mairead McMahon, Catriona Doyle and Anne Nally. Photo: Barry Cronin
Three in four women surveyed said they would turn to a GP or healthcare professional for advice, while hospitals and specialist healthcare providers were also highly trusted.
The research found that younger women are more likely to consider using AI tools such as ChatGPT when looking for information about a gynaecological health or cancer concern.
INGO says this highlights the importance of women having access to clear and accurate information, regardless of where they begin their search.
Minister for Health Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has also backed World GO Day and the awareness campaign.
“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.”
This World GO Day, INGO is encouraging women across Ireland to know the five cancers, know the signs and seek trusted medical advice when needed.
