This September, Rocket Charities is honoured to support Gynaecological Cancer Month, a global campaign to raise awareness about the often-overlooked forms of cancer that affect women. Every year in the UK, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. But, as Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust reminds us, often the “statistics don’t show the impact” that cancer can have on real lives.
Gynaecological Cancer Month was established in 1999 by the Foundation for Women’s Cancer. The annual month-long campaign seeks to highlight risk factors and symptoms, raise money for critical research, share early detection and prevention strategies—and lift the voices of those affected by gynaecological cancer. In the UK, local and leading charities play a key role to advocate for and support women’s health during Gynaecological Cancer Month.
In this post, we highlight and applaud three charities that are making a difference this month, and all year long: The Eve Appeal, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, and Ovacome. We also share several ways that you can get involved with these charities to support Gynaecological Cancer Month.
The Significance of Gynaecological Cancer Awareness
There are five types of gynaecological cancers: ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and cervical cancer. Each diagnosis carries its own challenges, but they all share one unfortunate trait: awareness levels around all five types of gynaecological cancers remains very low.
Education and collaboration are key to raise greater awareness and reduction of gynaecological cancers. Together, we must work to support the mothers, daughters, wives, partners, colleagues, and friends in our lives, and educate the public at large on the importance of preventative vaccines and screenings. Unfortunately, not everyone takes up the opportunity for vaccines and screenings—nearly one-third of eligible people (around 4.6 million) did not take up their latest test, and the NHS recently issued a call for anyone eligible for a cervical screening to book an appointment. During Gynaecological Cancer Month, charities and individuals can do their part to support women and encourage greater uptake of vaccines, screenings, and symptom awareness.
We’re uplifted by the work that UK charities are doing to raise awareness and offer support during Gynaecological Cancer Month. Each charity brings a distinct focus on one or more types of gynaecological cancers—and each charity takes a creative approach to their campaigns. Please read on for inspiration and involvement!
The Eve Appeal
The Eve Appeal raises awareness of gynaecological cancers and funds lifesaving, ground-breaking research focused on risk prediction, early detection, and screening for all five gynaecological cancers. It’s an important focus—currently only 6% of funding in the UK goes towards cancer prevention research. The Eve Appeal’s mission is simple yet ambitious: A future where gynaecological cancers are a disease of the past.
During Gynaecological Cancer Month, support the Eve Appeal with a Trek to Remember, a one-day challenge on 30 September to trek 25 KM around Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District. Participants pledge to raise a minimum of £350 and receive training plans, a free lunch and snacks along the route, a bespoke Trek to Remember t-shirt and medal, and more.
Or, for a little more flexibility, consider taking the September Steps Challenge to walk 10,000 steps a day throughout the month to support Ask Eve. Ask Eve is a judgement-free space for women to connect directly with a specialised nurse and get the information and resources they need to cope with the challenge of gynaecological cancer. Every £25 you raise for the September Steps Challenge funds an hour’s worth of calls with the Ask Eve nurse!
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust provides trusted information and support about gynaecological cancers and raises money to support cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. It was founded in memory of Jo, who died from cervical cancer at age 40. At the time, Jo and her husband James had trouble finding the information they needed on cervical cancer. Notably, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust spreads awareness around the importance of HPV vaccination and cervical screenings. The charity has a helpline to provide vital support services for women and nearly everyone who calls (96%) leaves feeling more informed about cervical cancer and 83% feel less worried.
This September, support the important work of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust by downloading resources and sharing information, making a donation, or sharing your own story on social media. You can also find a range of fundraising events to get involved with, from a cycle to a bake sale, or organise your own event to raise money.
Ovacome
Ovacome aims to overcome ovarian cancer. The charity provides trustworthy information to anyone affected by ovarian cancer, reduces isolation, and supports people who have been diagnosed with the disease as well as the friends, family, and healthcare professionals who care for them. Every year, Ovacome provides direct support to nearly 7,000 people through its telephone support line, email, instant chat, and 24-hour online forum and regional events. Ovacome also runs a Survivors Teaching Students programme to educate specialists on the signs, symptoms, and experiences of people with ovarian cancer.
During Gynaecological Cancer Month, Ovacome aims to raise £17,300 to continue its local and regional work. You can contribute to this important goal with a direct donation or by setting up your own fundraising page. You can also browse the charity’s running events taking place in September, from 2.5K to a half marathon—100% of the funds you raise will contribute to Ovacome’s £17,300 goal. Raising just £28 will cover the cost for Ovacome to provide an hour of one-on-one support to someone affected by ovarian cancer.
This September, how will you empower women’s health and support Gynaecological Cancer Month? Together, we can call more attention to this critical issue and work toward a future where gynaecological cancers truly are a disease of the past. Let us know what other events or charities you’re supporting this month. While there is always more to do, we’d love to highlight the great work that is happening every day to support women and gynaecological health. Please reach out to us anytime!