Editorial Staff , 2025-06-19 15:09:00
Last year’s campaign saw the INGO highlight research around ovarian cancer awareness and dispel common myths about the disease
For the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO), winning the award for Patient Organisation Project of the Year provided them with another opportunity to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
While the disease is the leading cause of death from gynaecological malignancies, four in five women in Ireland would not be confident in recognising its symptoms.
The voluntary group, which comprises thirty of Ireland’s foremost gynaecological cancer campaigners and patient advocates, uses days such as World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8 to highlight symptoms and encourage women to get checked if they have any concerns.
The group uses a BEAT acronym – Bloating, Eating Difficulties, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes – to make symptoms easy to remember.
Last year’s campaign saw the INGO highlight research around ovarian cancer awareness and dispel common myths about the disease. They also partnered with Brazilian street artist Brutto, who created a mural on Dublin’s Grafton Street educating passersby on ovarian cancer symptoms.
This year, the group continued to build on the success of 2024, taking advantages of media opportunities including a two-page feature in the popular RSVP magazine. Plans are also underway to use World Gynaecological Oncology Day on September 20 as another platform for education and awareness.
“Because we’re a voluntary organization, we have sought sponsorship for our campaign every year,” said INGO coordinator Dr Sharon O’Toole. “And when you win an award like this it attracts more attention.
“It’s a barometer in terms of running a successful campaign. If you can say you’ve won an Irish Healthcare Award, it’s a really strong point when we’re seeking funding for the following year.”
