Who we are
Who We Are
Founded in 2012 within the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups (ENGAGe) is a leading network of patient advocacy groups. We represent over 80 member organizations across more than 30 countries, all dedicated to supporting women affected by gynaecological cancers.
Our unique strength lies in our close partnership with ESGO clinicians. This bridge between patients and doctors allows us to better advocate for the highest standards of care.
Our Leadership
ENGAGe is governed by the ENGAGe Executive Group (EEG), a balanced team of 10 members: 6 patient experts and 4 ESGO clinicians. The group is led by two co-chairs, one patient advocate elected by our General Assembly and one clinician nominated by the ESGO Council, ensuring that the patient voice is always at the heart of our clinical goals.
Vision & Mission
- Our Vision: Improved prevention and universal access to the best possible treatment for every woman.
- Our Mission: To bring a patient-centric approach to gynaecological cancer care, research, and prevention through education, awareness, and advocacy.
The Five Pillars
We believe that strong, well-educated advocates are the key to change. Our work is built on five interconnected pillars. We don’t see these as a linear list, but as a continuous circle where each element strengthens the others.
Education We empower our members through Patient Advocacy Seminars, webinars, and high-quality educational brochures. By providing the right tools, we ensure our members have the knowledge they need to make an impact.
Awareness Beyond specific cancer months, we created World Gynaecologic Oncology Day (World GO Day) in September. This unique global initiative unites patients, hospitals, and stakeholders through both on-site events and digital campaigns to bring much-needed attention to all gynaecological cancers.
Capacity Building We help our member organizations grow stronger by sharing best practices. This includes the ENGAGe Award for project excellence and our TEENs group, where young advocates engage their peers about HPV risks and prevention.
Research We are increasingly active in the research landscape. Through our Clinical Trials projects, Quality of Life surveys, and our role as stakeholders in various EU research consortia, we ensure the patient perspective is included in scientific progress.
Advocacy: Our Overarching Pillar: At ENGAGe, Advocacy is more than just a category, it is the ultimate goal that connects all our work. Our efforts in education, awareness, capacity building, and research are the foundation that allows us to advocate effectively. We empower our members to be a strong, unified voice for patients, providing the specific support they need to drive change at every level.
We believe that true impact happens through three interconnected layers of advocacy:
- Individual & Peer Advocacy: Empowering one person to support another through shared experience and peer guidance.
- Community & Group Advocacy: Strengthening patient organizations so they can better support their local members and improve regional care.
- Policy & Systemic Advocacy: Influencing healthcare systems, laws, and national policies to ensure better access and treatment for all.
These levels are not separate; they form a continuous circle. We recognize that every member organization is unique and requires different support at different stages. By strengthening each level, we ensure that the patient voice is heard, from the bedside to the halls of government.
Suggested reading
ENGAGe Representatives Contribute to ESGO Guidelines on Gynaecological Cancers During Pregnancy
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ESGO and ENGAGe support the Cancer Patients Europe position paper on Unmet Medical Needs
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