Research shows a third of Irish women mistakenly believe that cervical screening checks for all five gynaecological cancers. 

The research commissioned by the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) found almost 2,000 women across Ireland are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, representing over 12% of women with cancer. 

Some 34% of women think the CervicalCheck Screening Programme checks for all five gynaecological cancers. 

According to INGO, the Screening Programme assesses whether a woman is at risk of having cervical cancer and there is no screening for the other gynaecological cancers. 

The INGO said public awareness of these cancers remain “worryingly low”. 

INGO Patient Representative Anne Murphy said some gynaecological cancers can be prevented or diagnosed earlier “when treatment can be more effective”. 

“Availing of HPV vaccination and screening, symptom awareness and knowing your body along with lifestyle choices can help improve outcomes with gynaecological cancers,” she said. 

Genetic testing

Cancer Geneticist Dr Karen Cadoo said early detection can “reduce the burden of cancer in our population”. 

“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,” she said. 

“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.” 

September 20th marks the 5th annual World Gynaecologic Oncology Day, which aims to raise awareness about all five gynaecological cancers (ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulval and vaginal).