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Awareness weeks guide

Gynaecological awareness week

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month
September 2022

This year over 2,000 Australian women will die from one of the seven types of gynaecological cancers. Many women are uncomfortable talking about their gynaecological parts. However, by understanding, taking early action, and through research, we improve life for women now and in the future. Women Can

UpToDate

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Treatment

Articles

Diagnosis

Prevention

Treatment

e-Books

Journals

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Diagnosis

How is cervical cancer screening discussed with clients at a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia?
We conducted a survey among 40 clinicians working at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in November 2021. We asked clinicians how they discussed cervical screening with their clients. All clinicians used the term ‘Cervical Screening Test (CST)’ when discussing cervical cancer screening with clients. However, 19 clinicians (48%) also used the term ‘Pap smear’, particularly among older women as they were more familiar with Pap smear than CST. Twenty-five (63%) clinicians believed that clients did not understand the difference between Pap smears and CST. Further education is required to improve the understanding between the terminologies. Sexual health 30 June 2022

Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with operable cervical cancer: a retrospective analysis
In patients with operable cervical cancer MRI pelvis cannot replace a well conducted clinical examination to assess loco-regional disease spread. Clinical examination still plays a major role in triaging patients for radical surgery or radical radiotherapy. We should be cognizant of the effects of stage migration of cervical cancer based on radiology with resultant possibility of change of management. Journal of gynecoligic  oncology 18 August 2022

Diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence algorithm incorporated into MobileODT enhanced visual assessment for triaging screen positive women after cervical cancer screening
Mobile ODT Enhanced Visual Assessment (EVA) colposcope with AI has sensitivity comparable to physician’s diagnosis while specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) was less than that of physician diagnosis. It is valuable for triage of screen positive women for further management. Research square 22 August 2022

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Prevention

Phytochemicals in gynecological cancer prevention
Gynecological cancer confers an enormous burden among women worldwide. Accumulating evidence points to the role of phytochemicals in preventing cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Experimental studies emphasize the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of plant-derived substances by inhibiting the early stages of carcinogenesis or improving the efficacy of traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, a number of epidemiological studies have investigated associations between a plant-based diet and cancer risk. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge on the phytochemicals with proven antitumor activity, emphasizing their effectiveness and mechanism of action in gynecological cancer. International journal of molecular sciences 26 January 2021

Low rates of cascade genetic testing among families with hereditary gynecologic cancer: An opportunity to improve cancer prevention
Highlights

  • BRCA 1/2 carriers report higher rates of cascade genetic testing in their families compared to those with Lynch Syndrome.
  • Less than half of at-risk first-degree family members go on to obtain testing for germline BRCA or Lynch mutations.
  • Cascade genetic testing rates are significantly higher in female family members compared to male family members.
  • Letters to at-risk family members by gynecologic oncology practices may facilitate cascade genetic testing.

Gynaecologic oncology 1 January 2020

Gynecologic cancer risk and genetics: Informing an ideal model of gynecologic cancer prevention
Individuals with proven hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have elevated rates of ovarian, breast, and other cancers. If these high-risk people can be identified before a cancer is diagnosed, risk-reducing interventions are highly effective and can be lifesaving. Current oncology 30 June 2022

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Treatment

OVARIO phase II trial of combination niraparib plus bevacizumab maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer following first-line platinum-based chemotherapy with bevacizumab
Highlights

  • OVARIO enrolled patients with primary advanced-stage ovarian cancer, including high-risk cases.
  • In the overall population, 62% of patients were progression-free at the 18-month primary endpoint.
  • After a median follow-up of 28.7 months, median PFS was 19.6 months (overall), 28.3 months (HRd), and 14.2 months (HRp).
  • The most common any-grade adverse events related to niraparib and/or bevacizumab were thrombocytopenia, fatigue, and anemia.

Gynaecologic oncology 9 June 2022

Minimally invasive surgery versus open surgery in high-risk histologic endometrial cancer patients: A meta-analysis
Highlights

  • The authors reviewed 14,628 high-risk endometrial cancer cases from 9 observational studies.
  • Minimally invasive surgery did not significantly increase the risk of recurrence.
  • Minimally invasive surgery did not significantly increase the risk of mortality.
  • Minimally invasive surgery did not worsen high-risk endometrial cancer prognosis.

Gynaecologic oncology 17 June 2022

Patterns of, and barriers to supportive care needs assessment and provision for Australian women with gynecological cancer and their caregivers: a mixed-methods study of clinical practice
There is much room for improvement in the assessment of needs and provision of supportive care to women with gynecological cancer and their caregivers. Approaches to optimize use of consultation time (e.g., needs assessment tools and referral protocols) are necessary. Flexibility in the form and mode of delivery of support may be required to meet diverse personal preferences and incorporate caregivers. Palliative and supportive care 6 August 2019

Assessment of long-term sexual function of cervical cancer survivors after treatment: A cross-sectional study
The sexual function of cervical cancer survivors significantly decreased after treatment, which was related to the length of follow-up, ovariectomy, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Hormone replacement therapy after ovariectomy can help patients to improve their sexual function. Journal of obstetrics and gynaecological research 2 September 2022

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E-books

This is a sample of the e-books the library subscribes to – you will need your library login

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Journals

This is a sample of the journals the library subscribes to – you will need your library login

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Previous Awareness Weeks

Missed out on a previous awareness week? You can now see previous awareness weeks here.