Patient advocates and medical professionals in more than 20 countries have come together for the second annual World Gynecologic Oncology Day (World GO Day), taking place today, September 20. A project of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) and the European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe), World GO Day aims to raise awareness about a group of gynecologic cancers that more than one million women are diagnosed with each year.
This year's activities have been adapted for physical distancing and public safety in light of the COVID-19 situation in participating countries. For example, instead of the in-person sports activities promoting the first year's “GO For…” campaign, this year more activities will rely on online outreach. “We are focusing on support through social media networks. Purple is the color of the [gynecologic] cancer ribbon. We encourage people around the world to raise awareness about [gynecologic] cancers and supporting patients by wearing something purple or painting their lips or nails purple. Then, share the photos with us using the #GoForPurple hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter on September 20," explained Murat Gultekin, MD, ENGAGe Co-Chair.
This year, World GO Day organizers wish to raise awareness especially about gynecologic cancer symptoms and human papillomavirus prevention, in concept with the World Health Organization’s global strategy for eliminating cervical cancer. Early diagnosis is key for all gynecologic cancers.
“We want people to know that having a regular check-up with your gynecologist should be a priority,” said Icó Tóth, ENGAGe Co-Chair and a patient advocate.
Through social media campaigns, World GO Day is sharing educational information about the main types of gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. Pictures and messages are being shared using the hashtags #WorldGODay and #GoForCheckup to create a global conversation about gynecologic cancers.
“Thanks to the support of the ESGO medical professionals, and listening to patient voices, ENGAGe can share the latest, most relevant, and guaranteed knowledge about these diagnoses so that every woman in the world has the chance to have the right information at the right time,” said ESGO President Philippe Morice, MD, PhD.
Information is published on the World GO Day website at www.worldgoday.org. Any group or individual can add a World GO Day activity on this website.
