- Gynaecological cancers make up approximately 10% of all cancers and of all cancer-related deaths in New Zealand
- In 2007, there were 899 gynaecological cancers registered and 407 women died of a gynaecological cancer
- Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in New Zealand followed by ovarian and cervical
- Cancer stage is an important determinant in survival rates. Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rates largely because women with ovarian cancer tend to be diagnosed at a later stage
- Gynaecological cancer rates generally increase with age
- Maori and Pasifika women have a higher age-standardised incidence of gynaecological cancers
- The gynaecological cancer patient’s journey is complex often requiring multiple episodes of care over a number of years
- Women generally have better outcomes if they are treated by a specialist gynae-oncologist and reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team
- A focus group of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer recommended
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that all women have access to a gynae-oncologist for surgery;
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a point of contact to provide continuity throughout the journey (e.g. nurse specialist);
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that there is increased awareness of gynaecological cancer, its symptoms, and best practice at all levels including consumers and providers
- Current challenges include building a sustainable workforce, ensuring equitable access to services, and data collection
To read the full report included the recommendations made to the Ministry, please click here.
The NZGCF team
Achieve your personal fitness goals for 2012 while raising funds for a great cause!
If one of your New Year resolutions is to get fit this year, then having a specific goal or event to work towards is often the key to staying motivated and achieving your goal. To help with this, we have created the NZGCF Sports Calendar 2012 where you'll find links to many of the marathons, half marathons, and off-road running events taking place around the country in 2012.
Once you have decided to take the plunge and have secured a place in your chosen event, you might want to check out www.fundraiseonline.co.nz which provides an easy and effective way to fundraise for your chosen cause or charity. Just log on, set up an events page for you and your team, nominate 'NZ Gynaecological Cancer Foundation' as your chosen charity, and then let all your family and friends know - it's that simple!
To help you stay comfortable and spread the word during training and your event, we will soon be offering a range of NZGCF t-shirts & singlets, caps, and drink bottles in our online store. Keep an eye on our website or e-mail us for more information. Also keep an eye out for some great training tips from New Zealand triathlete and cervical cancer survivor, Shanel Cornille on our website and Facebook page over the coming months.
And last but not least, remember to let us know what event you and your team are doing, keep us in the loop as your training progresses (so we can provide lots of moral support!), and send us photos!
Here's to getting fit and making a difference in 2012!
The NZGCF Team
Acknowledgements
A resounding 'Merry Christmas' goes out to Auckland Airport who have donated $10,000 to NZGCF as part of their annual '12 Days of Christmas' initiative.
350 organisations applied this year and we are delighted to have been chosen as one of the 12 recipients, having successfully illustrated our alignment with Auckland Airport's values of being "authentically New Zealand, outstanding, welcoming, and ambitious".
Read the NZ Herald article here.
A big thank you to NZPWG for all their work running the KFC Grilled 2011 Anita Boon Pro-Am golf tournament.
The tournament began in 2009 in memory of professional golfer, Anita Boon, who passed away from ovarian cancer.
On Saturday, 3 December, Susan Farron and Vicki Aitken of NZPWG presented NZGCF with a donation of $10,000 that was raised at the event. Great work!
Congratulations to Cam, Dion, Jeremy, and Mark who all completed 'The Goat' Alpine Run on Saturday in memory of Cam's sister, Anna, and in support of NZGCF.
In addition to surviving the 21km run around Mt Ruapehu with great times (between 3hrs25 and 4hrs), the team also raised $13k to help us raise awareness of gynaecological cancers - a superb effort!
Cancer in New Zealand: a critical election issue
As part of its Election Manifesto 2011, CANGO calls on the next New Zealand government to take action to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in New Zealand and to address inequalities relating to cancer diagnosis and treatment. To read the full Manifesto please click here.
New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation is a member of CANGO (Cancer Non-Governmental Organisations), an alliance of eight prominent New Zealand cancer charities – Cancer Society of New Zealand, Beat Bowel Cancer Aotearoa, Child Cancer Foundation, Hospice New Zealand, Leukaemia & Blood Foundation, New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
The group was formed in 2007 in an effort to increase collaboration among cancer charities. Chief Executives of member organisations meet quarterly to discuss key issues facing the sector; to meet and share information with representatives from the Ministry of Health, Cancer Control New Zealand, and others working in cancer-related areas; and to work together on specific initiatives that reflect the shared goal of all members to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on New Zealand and New Zealanders.
New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation are proud to release their new Educational DVD 'Gynaecological Cancer: What you need to know'
To view the DVD please click here. (Please note: This may take several minutes to download). If you would like to purchase a DVD and make a donation, please go to our shopping page, click here.
We would like to thank our ambassadors Beth Allen (actor Shortland Street) & Fiona Paterson (Elite NZ rower & cancer survivor) for their contribution to the DVD, and the courageous women, Carol Nelson & Hinurewa te Hau who shared their stories. We would also like to sincerely thank our sponsors NZ Lotteries Commission, Sky City Community Trust and Manchester Trust. Without these donations we would not be able to carry out the important work of raising awareness about the symptoms of gynaecological cancer.
Sarah Hutchings, General Manager
Wild Poppies Supports NZGCF
We are fortunate to be able to give away a fabulous bunch of flowers every month, as a result of support from Wild Poppies.
Please support them for supporting us, purchase from them when you next need flowers.
www.wildpoppies.co.nz
We need you to share your story!
Send us your story to become a 'Featured Woman' in our Women's Gallery. All we need is a short story of your journey (approximately 250-300 words) and a recent photo. You will also receive a beautiful bunch of flowers from Wild Poppies.
To read 'Featured Woman' stories, please click here.
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What's New?
World Cancer Day - Media Report - 30 April 2012 |

4 February 2012 was World Cancer Day.
To read the recently published report ‘World Cancer Day 2012: Media Coverage Report Analysis’”, please click here. |
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Auckland and Wellington 2012 | 2013 Entertainment™ Books available now - 19 April 2012 |
 Please support NZ Gynaecological Cancer Foundation by purchasing an Entertainment Book. The books are packed with hundreds of savings of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for the best restaurants, cafes, hotel accommodation, attractions and activities and we receive 20% from the sale of each book. These much needed funds help us to achieve our mission to educate our community about all gynaecological cancers.
The Auckland Entertainment Book™ is $65 + $5 postage. To purchase online, click here. For other payment options, please email Jan.
The Wellington Entertainment Book™ is $60 + $5 postage. To purchase online, click here. For other payment options, please email Chaya.
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NZGCF winner of Christmas Cheer from Auckland Airport - 12 December 2011 |
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A resounding 'Merry Christmas' goes out to Auckland Airport who have donated $10,000 to NZGCF as part of their annual '12 Days of Christmas' initiative.
Read the NZ Herald article here.
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Appointments to NZGCF Executive and Board of Trustees sets path for a solid future - 18 October 2011 |
The New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (NZGCF) has made a number of strategic appointments to the executive team and Board of Trustees which positions the Foundation strongly for future growth.
Read the full media release here.
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B is for Bloating (it is persistent and doesn't come and go)
E is for Eating (difficulty eating & feeling full more quickly)
A is for Abdominal (and pelvic pain you feel most days)
T is for Talking (tell your GP)
Click here to go to the Ovacome UK website to read more.