More than one third of women surveyed think that CervicalCheck screens for all five gynaecological cancers, according to a new survey.
The findings were released by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) to mark World Gynaecological Oncology (GO) Day today (September 20). A survey of women conducted on behalf of the INGO found that 34 per cent of respondents thought that the national cervical screening programme assessed risk for ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers as well as cervical cancer.
Through World GO Day the INGO hopes to raise public awareness of gynaecological cancers, 2,000 cases of which are diagnosed annually across the island of Ireland.
Their campaign also aims to highlight the importance of family history in looking out for these cancers, as genetics can play a role in a small percentage of cases.
“Prevention and early detection can help us to reduce the burden of cancer in our population,” said Dr Karen Cadoo, consultant cancer geneticist and medical oncologist at St James’s Hospital Dublin.
“Genetic testing may explain some of the cancers in a family and determine if more cancer screening or risk-reducing approaches are needed for family members. We have made some progress, but there is a lot still to do. Although there may be a wait for genetic testing, it is still important to know your family history and to talk to your doctor about whether a referral for assessment is needed.”
To highlight the realities of gynaecological cancers, the Irish Society of Gynaecological Oncology are releasing a series of podcasts sponsored by Breakthrough Cancer Research with Dr Doireann O’Leary where clinicians and patients discuss their lived cancer experiences. The first episode has been released today, with all episodes to be hosted on Dr Doireann O’Leary’s podcast channel.
A total of 22 buildings across Ireland will also light up purple to mark World GO Day. More information is available on www.thisisgo.ie.