World Ovarian Cancer Day in Ireland 2022
The Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) focussed their 2022 world ovarian cancer day campaign on increasing awareness of symptoms using the BEAT acronym. This followed the stark findings that 4 out of 5 women in Ireland were not confident to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer which made headline news on national TV. Click here to watch these news.
The BEAT symptoms can be vague but if persistent, women are encouraged to contact their GP.
- Bloating that is persistent and doesn’t come and go
- Eating less and feeling full more quickly
- Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days
- Toilet changes in urination or bowel habits
The campaign also sought to dispel the myth that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer. There is no screening for ovarian cancer. Ireland has one of the highest death rates from ovarian cancer in Europe. Approximately 400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Ireland and almost 300 women die every year. Early diagnosis can significantly improve survival. For more information and useful resources check out www.thisisGO.ie
The INGO, coordinated by Dr Sharon O’Toole, Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute and GYNOCARE management committee member and leader of Working Group 2, is a voluntary group and comprises over 30 of Ireland’s foremost gynaecological cancer campaigners, researchers and patient advocates Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology - ISGO. The aim of the group is to raise awareness of gynaecological cancers across the island of Ireland. The group participates in two major international events annually: World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th and World Gynaecological Cancer Day on September 20th.
The INGO work closely with the international team on the campaign. The World Ovarian Cancer Day is a global movement bringing women living with ovarian cancer, their families and supporters, patient advocacy organisations, medical practitioners and researchers together each year on the 8th May to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. For more details, visit https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/world-ovarian-cancer-day/what-is-wocd/
Two leading Irish artists also joined the campaign to help spread the word on the signs of ovarian cancer:
- Artist and fashion designer, Helen Steele, designed an eye-catching tote bag and postcard using effective repetition of the word BEAT – highlighting our need to constantly repeat the symptoms in order to increase awareness and save lives.
- Poet Laurate for Wexford, Sasha Terfous has written and performed a powerful spoken word piece, entitled BEAT, focussing on the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the experience of a woman’s ovarian cancer diagnosis.
The campaign built up to May 8th, World Ovarian Cancer Day, when 20 buildings including Trinity College Dublin and St James’s Hospital lit up in teal, the international campaign colour.
Spread the message using the hashtags #WOCD2022 #NOWOMANLEFTBEHIND
For more information, please visit:
www.isgo.ie/irish-network-for-gynaecological-oncology/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-r_-sDW0s3H5C5GKNiDJaw
