Why is more awareness needed?

Ovarian, uterine, cervix and other gynaecological cancers are among the most common cancers to affect women, but collectively attract less attention than they deserve from the public and policymakers. Women themselves may be unaware of the sometimes vague symptoms or may be too embarrassed to consult a doctor, and there remains a stigma associated with these diagnoses in some quarters. This reticence needs to be overcome and a more positive message developed to improve the prevention, screening, treatment and care of gynaecological cancers so that women throughout Europe have the best chance of survival and quality of life.