Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) understands the importance of bringing awareness to all gynecologic cancers—cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancer—and declared September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) with a goal of reaching more and more people each year.
Use these resources to share knowledge about gynecologic cancer symptoms, risk factors, prevention and early detection—because every five minutes, someone will be diagnosed with one of these cancers and over 33,000 will die from a gynecologic cancer this year.
We encourage you to download the GCAM toolkit, so you can easily access and share the information included in this section.
Also, a special offer this month as a way to give is to purchase ONEHOPE Wine during GCAM and 10% of each purchase will be donated to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer.
Spread awareness via social media
September is #GynecologicCancerAwarenessMonth! Visit foundationforwomenscancer.org for information specific to gynecologic cancer symptoms and treatment, risk and prevention, clinical trials and survivor stories. #GCAM
Gynecologic oncologists are medical doctors with specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers. If cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial cancer, vaginal or vulvar cancer is suspected or diagnosed, seek care from a gynecologic oncologist: bit.ly/fwc-seek-specialist #GCAM
Follow and share the #IWishIKnew campaign featuring the voices of gynecologic cancer patients, survivors, family members and friends. #GCAM
#CervicalCancer symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, bleeding after vaginal sex, vaginal odor and pelvic or abdominal pain. Any of these signs should be checked out by a gynecologist. bit.ly/fwc-cervical-cancer #GCAM
Most cases of #CervicalCancer are now preventable. Get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine before becoming sexually active and have your children vaccinated at ages 11-12. bit.ly/fwc-cervical-cancer #GCAM
The best way to find #CervicalCancer early is to have regular Pap tests and HPV tests between ages 21 and 65 at intervals recommended by your health care provider. bit.ly/fwc-cervical-cancer #GCAM
There is currently no good screening for #OvarianCancer. See a gynecologist if you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks: bloating, urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency), pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly. bit.ly/fwc-ovarian-cancer #GCAM
#OvarianCancer early detection tips: See a doctor if you have symptoms. Schedule regular check-ups, including pelvic exams. Know your family history and ask your doctor about genetic testing. bit.ly/fwc-ovarian-cancer #GCAM
Transvaginal ultrasounds and CA 125 blood tests may be offered to screen those with a high risk of #OvarianCancer due to an inherited genetic syndrome such as Lynch syndrome, BRCA gene mutations or a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. youtu.be/yQOSoo1MltU #GCAM
#EndometrialCancer, also known as #UterineCancer, is the most common gynecologic cancer. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight is one way to lower your risk of endometrial cancer. bit.ly/fwc-endo-cancer #GCAM
Early detection improves the chances #EndometrialCancer will be treated successfully. See a gynecologist if you experience unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge. bit.ly/fwc-endo-cancer #GCAM
At menopause, all women should be told about the risks and symptoms of #EndometrialCancer, and strongly encouraged to report any vaginal bleeding, spotting or discharge to their doctor. bit.ly/fwc-endo-cancer #GCAM
Signs of #VaginalCancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after vaginal sex, pain, problems with urination or bowel movements, a watery discharge, or a lump or mass in the vagina. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a gynecologist. bit.ly/fwc-vaginal-cancer #GCAM
#VaginalCancer is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18—the #HPV vaccine can be used to prevent HPV infection. Routine wellness visits and cervical cancer screenings can sometimes find early invasive vaginal cancer. bit.ly/fwc-vaginal-cancer #GCAM
Signs of #VulvarCancer or pre-cancer include chronic itching, abnormal bleeding or discharge, skin color changes (lighter or darker, red or pink), bump or lump with wart-like or raw surfaces. Any symptoms should be checked out by a gynecologist. bit.ly/fwc-vulvar-cancer #GCAM
While there is no standard screening for #VulvarCancer, knowing what to look for can help with early detection—an area on the vulva that looks different than normal, a bump or lump (red, pink or white), thickening of the skin of the vulva or an open sore. bit.ly/fwc-vulvar-cancer #GCAM
Download, print and share educational materials
Add resources to your personal, organizational or institutional website
Incorporate this information on the websites you have access to, so others know where to go to learn more about gynecologic cancers.
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is dedicated to supporting research, education and public awareness of gynecologic cancers. Visit their website for information specific to gynecologic cancer symptoms and treatment, risk and prevention, clinical trials and survivor stories.
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) and each year the FWC strives to bring even more attention to these cancers. Learn how you can get involved.
Spread awareness in your community
Whether you or someone you care about has been impacted by gynecologic cancers, you’re in a position to share your experience and empower others with the knowledge you’ve gained. Your efforts this Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) can have a huge impact on individual lives and the community at large.
Get your work involved
- Print and hang GCAM posters in your office showing the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers.
- Select a day where everyone wears purple, the awareness color for gynecologic cancers. Take a picture and share it on your company’s social media pages using #GCAM.
- Place a donation jar at your desk or in a common area and let your colleagues know you’re raising money for FWC in honor of GCAM.
Do something at school
- Print and hang GCAM posters on community bulletins boards.
- Encourage your health and wellness center to share these resources and spread awareness about the HPV vaccine (as it lowers the risk of three out of five gynecologic cancers).
- Plan a creative event where you can share gynecologic cancer resources and fundraise for FWC.
Attend a local health fair
- Reach out to the organizers and ask if there’s an opportunity for you to share FWC resources at their event.
Find out if the nearest cancer center is promoting GCAM
- Check out your local cancer center’s website to see what events they have planned during September.
If you find out about GCAM events in your area, share them! Post them on social media, email them to family and friends, or send event information to your local news outlets.