Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

September marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM). We’ll be getting involved to help educate people about cervical cancer; how it can be prevented, the signs and symptoms and support available to women diagnosed.

There are five gynaecological cancers; cervical, ovarian, vaginal, vulval and womb. To find out more about the gynaecological cancers you can visit the following websites or see NHS Choices:

• Cancer Research UK
• The Eve Appeal (fundraises for research into fighting all five gynaecological cancers)
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• Ovacome
• Ovarian Cancer Action
• Target Ovarian Cancer

We’re supporting The Eve Appeal’s campaign to get cancer on the curriculum which calls for a cancer education programme, to address taboos and teach girls and boys enhanced body knowledge.

We want all school children to learn about the how cervical cancer can be prevented so have created lesson plans with Teenage Cancer Trust on HPV, the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer. You can download the lesson plans for year 8 and 10 students here.

Raising awareness of cervical cancer

As the UK’s only charity supporting women affected by cervical cancer, during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month we’ll be talking about what causes cervical cancer, how it can be prevented and the support available to women diagnosed. Follow us on twitter to join the conversation.

To find out more about cervical cancer prevention, you can read information on our website about cervical screening, the HPV vaccination, symptoms and treatment. We also have support available including our online Forum, Helpline and Ask the Expert service.

Fundraise during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

GCAM is a perfect time to fundraise for Jo’s! There are lots of ways to support our work by getting your school, workplace and family involved. Why not have a dress down day at work, a doughnut sale at school or a quiz night with friends? Your fundraising can make a real difference by helping us to support to women diagnosed with cervical cancer and raising awareness of how the disease can be prevented.

If you would like more fundraising ideas or to share how you are getting on during GCAM send us an email at [email protected].