Every September marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, a month that highlights a series of cancers that often go unnoticed but affect thousands of women worldwide. While breast cancer awareness campaigns have gained significant momentum, cancers like ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers remain less visible in the public eye. Yet, these cancers are equally life-changing, impacting women’s health, fertility, and overall well-being in the long run.
Raising awareness is critical to ensuring that women understand the symptoms, the importance of screenings, and available treatments.
A personal story
A very important and strong voice advocating for more attention to gynaecological cancers is Eva-Maria Strömsholm, a 43-year-old survivor of a rare form of ovarian cancer. Eva-Maria is the Co-Founder and Vice Chair of Gynaecologic Cancer Patients in Finland but also a Co-Founder and Chair of the Nordic Gynaecologic Patient Organisations Network and has dedicated several years to patient advocacy.
Eva-Maria’s journey began when she was 27. A former half-marathon runner, she felt invincible until a routine health checkup uncovered a mass in one of her ovaries. Though initially thought to be benign, the tumour was eventually diagnosed as a rare form of ovarian cancer.
“I hadn’t been sick before that. I didn’t know anything about operations,” Eva-Maria recalls. “It was right before Christmas in 2008 when I went into surgery, and just a week before that, I had to hear the news that this was cancer.”
Like many women facing a diagnosis of cancer, Eva-Maria’s life changed overnight. Following her surgery, she underwent chemotherapy treatments that left her bedridden, nauseous, and in poor physical condition. While the chemotherapy was ultimately successful, the experience took a lasting toll on her health.
“I was 27 and facing the reality of cancer while everyone around me was out living their lives. It was a very isolating experience,” she says. “It took me half a year to recover to a stage where I could even walk or eat properly again.”
Eva-Maria’s story highlights some of the major challenges faced by those diagnosed with gynaecological cancers. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of visibility and awareness. Unlike breast cancer, which has garnered widespread attention, cancers like ovarian, cervical, and endometrial often fly under the radar. This lack of awareness is dangerous, as symptoms can be subtle. These include abdominal pain or irregular bleeding, symptoms that are often overlooked.
“The symptoms are hard to pinpoint,” Eva-Maria explains. “It could just be a pain in your stomach or irregular bleeding, but many women don’t know that these could be warning signs of something more serious.”
Additionally, she emphasises the need for increased cooperation between cancer organisations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to improve early screening and early diagnosis.
“Scandinavian countries, for example, are small, so we need collaboration between cancer associations, patient advocates, and politicians. We need them to understand the importance of screening and vaccinations, particularly for HPV, which can prevent cervical cancer.”
Eva-Maria’s advocacy focuses on addressing the gaps in education and resources for gynaecological cancer patients, particularly around survivorship. She points out that many patients face long-term challenges, from fertility issues to psychological impacts like anxiety. Peer support, she believes, is crucial for helping survivors navigate life after cancer.
“Sometimes, survivors don’t want to talk about their cancer, but they need to know they’re not alone.”
As September serves as a reminder to support women affected by these cancers, Eva-Maria’s message is clear:
“More needs to be done! Early detection, better access to information, and increased advocacy can save lives. Raising awareness about the symptoms, treatments, and long-term impacts of gynaecological cancers will empower women to seek help earlier, advocate for themselves, and get the care they need.”
Stories like that of Eva-Maria are a powerful testament to the resilience of women facing gynaecological cancers and serve as a call to action for everyone to contribute to promoting awareness, screening, early diagnosis, early care, and more comprehensive healthcare policies.
