With worries that cancer patients are often feeling too frightened to go to their GPs and hospitals, a Dorset-based charity is offering extra advice and support for patients undergoing cancer treatment for gynaecological cancers.
GO Girls have been offering weekly on-line support with ovarian cancer charity, Ovacome, since the start of the pandemic to all of their members, as well as producing an educational animation to support women and their families, so they know what to expect: how treatments may differ and how important it is to manage safety and risk during the COVID pandemic.
“It’s understandable that many people receiving cancer treatment will have worries and concerns. We are dealing with a health pandemic that many have not seen in their lifetimes. But what is important is to support people through this, ensuring they have clear and accurate information and to know what to expect”, said Hilary Maxwell, CEO and Chair of GO Girls, speaking to KeeP 106. “Of course COVID-19 has meant that some elements of the cancer pathway have altered marginally or delivered differently, but overall cancer services are still here and we really want to encourage all women if they have worries to seek help.”
“Not only is it important to support those going through cancer now, it is vitally important that if women have any worries that they may have a gynaecological cancer, they seek clinical input as soon as possible”, added Sharon McCartney, GO Girls Trustee. “We would want women who have any signs of post menopausal bleeding, new abdominal pain, bloating and feeling full very quickly to seek advice: the earlier cancers are caught, the much easier they are often treated, so please speak with your GP”.
With Cervical Cancer Awareness Week just upon us, 15-19th June, it is even more important women do not delay seeking help. Professor Emma Crosbie, a member of the GO Girls clinical advisory team said: “Picking up the pre-cancerous stage is critical to cervical cancer prevention. We know that cervical cancer is most common in women 30-35, but equally the precancerous stage can be picked up some 5-10 years previously with 1 in 20 women showing abnormal changes. Failing to attend screening is potentially putting you at considerable risk.”
The GO Girls team are planning a further series of support and awareness videos and animation to encourage all women who have gynaecological cancers or who are worried they have may symptoms of gynaecological cancers to seek help.
To access the GO Girls animation, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDhCO5DvwnQ
