New DVD on Gynaecological Cancers Aims To Save Lives

September 21, 2011

New DVD on Gynaecological Cancers Aims To Save Lives

The New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (NZGCF) has launched an educational DVD as part of gynaecological cancer awareness month, which takes place over September.

In New Zealand, 987 women will be diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer every year, and in 2007 there were 402 deaths due to gynaecological cancers.[1] Yet many women are not aware of the symptoms or feel embarrassed to discuss concerns with their doctor.

The DVD helps to address this by sharing the personal stories of two cancer survivors to educate and motivate women to talk to their doctor for advice if there is any cause for concern. This educational tool is narrated by Shortland Street actor and NZCGF ambassador Beth Allen and incorporates medical advice from Dr Ai Ling Tan, one of New Zealand’s specialist gynaecological oncologists. Dr Tan explains the four main types of gynaecological cancers – ovarian, uterine, cervical and vulval – and highlights the key symptoms of each disease.

The New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation General Manager, Sarah Hutchings, says “Diagnosing the cancer as soon as possible is one of the best ways of increasing survival rates for New Zealand women. The harsh reality is that most women are not aware of the various forms of gynaecological cancer, let alone their own risk. We produced this DVD to make women aware of the early warning signs and symptoms and get them talking about this important issue.

“We are extremely grateful to the two gynaecological cancer survivors who share their experience in the DVD, helping to draw attention to some of the main symptoms and show that this is a disease that can affect people of all ages, even those that are otherwise healthy and fit.“

The DVD will be distributed to health professionals across New Zealand and through the NZGCF networks to be used as part of corporate wellness programmes, share and care events, on marae, and by community groups for educational sessions.

[1] Ministry of Health. Cancer: New Registrations and Deaths 2007. Wellington: Ministry of Health, 2010.

To support the foundation by purchasing a copy of the DVD please visit www.nzgcf.org.nz.

Further information about the symptoms of gynaecological cancer can be found at www.nzgcf.org.nz or by phoning 0800 CANCER.

If you are interested in hosting a teal event in support of NZGCF during September gynaecological cancer awareness month, visit www.nzgcf.org.nz to find out how, or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NZGCF.

NZGCF is a registered not-for-profit charity for gynaecological cancers. The Foundation’s mission is to inform and educate the community about all gynaecological cancers in order to increase survival rates for New Zealand women through early detection.

ENDS

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