World Gynecologic Oncology Awareness Day (World GO Day): On September 20, 2020, We Will Turn the World Purple

GENEVA, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer patient advocates and medical professionals in more than 20 countries are planning activities for World Gynecologic Oncology Day (World GO Day) this month. A project of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) and the European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe), World GO Day raises awareness about a group of gynaecological cancers that more than one million women are diagnosed with each year. The second annual World GO Day will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2020.

This year's activities have been adapted for physical distancing and public safety in light of the COVID-19 situation in participating countries. For example, instead of the in-person sports activities promoting the first year's "GO For…" campaign, this year more activities will rely on online outreach. "We are focusing on support through social media networks. Purple is the colour of the gynaecological cancer ribbon. We encourage people around the world to raise awareness about gynaecological cancers and supporting patients by wearing something purple or painting their lips or nails purple. Then, share the photos with us using the #GoForPurple hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter on September 20," explains Dr. Murat Gultekin, ENGAGe Co-Chair.

This year, World GO Day organisers wish to raise awareness especially about gynaecological cancer symptoms and HPV prevention, in concept with the World Health Organisation's global strategy for eliminating cervical cancer. Early diagnosis is key for all gynaecological cancers. "We want people to know that having a regular check-up with your gynaecologist should be a priority," says Icó Tóth, ENGAGe Co-Chair and a patient advocate.

Through social media campaigns, World GO Day is sharing educational information about the main types of gynaecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. "Thanks to the support of the ESGO medical professionals, and listening to patient voices, ENGAGe can share the latest, most relevant and guaranteed knowledge about these diagnoses so that every woman in the world has the chance to have the right information at the right time," says ESGO President Prof. Philippe Morice. "I very much appreciate the effective cooperation of doctors and patients," he says.

Pictures and messages will be shared also using the hashtags #WorldGODay and #GoForCheckup to create a global conversation about gynaecological cancers.

Information will be published on the World GO Day website at www.worldgoday.org. Any group or individual can add a World GO Day activity on this website. "Let's turn the globe purple together!" Tóth says.

About Gynaecological Cancers
In 2018, over 1.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with gynaecological cancers, and approximately 468,000 Women worldwide died, 67% from cervical cancer.

Regular screening and examinations, as well as lifestyle choices, can increase the chance of prevention or even early diagnosis of gynaecological cancers.

Acknowledgements 
ESGO and ENGAGe gratefully acknowledge the generous support provided by the following sponsors of the World GO Day 2020:

Genmab, Seattle Genetics, GSK, Abviris, Karyopharm Therapeutics.

Media Contact 
Icó Tóth, ENGAGe Co-Chair
Email: [email protected] 

SOURCE European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO)