Over 7,000 Australian women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer each year. One in three will not survive 5 years. Together, we can change that.

Gynaecological cancers (ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal and vulvar) are the third most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women.

Unlike other cancers, gynaecological cancers are shrouded in silence. Stigma and societal taboos can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Too many women feel embarrassed to talk about their symptoms, and too many women are diagnosed too late.

Early detection is vital. Gynaecological cancers can be difficult to detect. Knowing your body and knowing what’s not normal can save your life.

With awareness, early detection and more research funding – we can save lives – September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, let's do this together:

• Learn the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer
• Share a cuppa and spread awareness with the women in your lives (download social media tiles to share)
• Support research that will find kinder treatments for women with gynaecological cancer

If you are concerned about any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor immediately.

• Abnormal or persistent vaginal bleeding – for example, bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding that is not part of menstrual periods, or bleeding after sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain, pressure or discomfort in the pelvis or abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Itching, burning or soreness in the pelvic region
• Lumps, sores or wart-like growths on the skin of the genital areas

Download the signs and symptoms flyer and/or scroll down further to order Symptom Checkers Cards to share with your family and friends.

Share a cuppa and spread awareness
This September, take the time to have that conversation with the women you cherish. Whether it is over a cup of tea or sharing on your socials, lets get the conversation started and to increase early detection and save lives. Althernatively you may want to hold a morning tea or event, please order Symptom Checker Cards below to give to your guests.

To help spread awareness via your social media and honour those you cherish in your life, click on the social media tile/s below to download.


Click here for instructions on how to use the Canva template

Funding research that saves lives

The only way to prevent more deaths from gynaecological cancer is to fund research that improves how we prevent, detect and treat this disease.

Cherish’s major research partner, Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research, runs some of the world’s most innovative trials. Cherish funding gives their researchers the boost they need to start small but critical studies with the potential to change the way doctors treat women with gynaecological cancer worldwide.

Cherish has funded seven research projects, each focused on targeted studies addressing underfunded gynaecological cancers. In particular, significant research has been dedicated to endometrial, vulvar, and ovarian cancers, driving advancements in treatment and care.

These research projects span multiple years and stages, led by expert multidisciplinary teams and include the following:

• Non-surgical treatment of endometrial cancer (feMMe)
• Identify women with endometrial cancer who will respond successfully to non-surgical treatment (feMMe Molecular)
• Test whether lymph node removal helps or harms women with endometrial cancer (ENDO-3)
• Determine if groin ultrasound is a feasible and accurate method to detect cancer spread in vulvar cancer (Pre-ANVU)
• Operating procedures and patient safety and quality systems in vulvar cancer project (NODE)
• Using repeat groin ultrasounds to safely reduce vulvar surgery (ANVU)

Support this life changing research - Donate today.

Or join an upcoming Cherish Challenge and/or support our 2027 trekkers. Next year, our fundraising adventure, takes us to Patagonia and this dedicated team will trek to raise funds for a future where a cancer diagnosis is a concern, but not a death sentence. Please support the team if you can and/or register your interest for upcoming Cherish Challenges.

You can help us improve the outcomes for all women, those with gynaecological cancer now and those who may develop it in the future.
Please:

• Learn the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancer
• Share a cuppa and spread awareness with the women in your lives
• Support research that will find kinder treatments for women with gynaecological cancer.

If you would like to order symptom checker cards to hand out to your friends, have available at your next function or at your workplace, fill in your details below and we will be in touch.

If you would like to ask a question about fundraising or give us some feedback, please contact us via the form and let’s chat.

Alternatively, please contact our team on 0483 758 808 or email info@cherish.org.au

If you need professional, confidential support about a gynaecological cancer diagnosis or treatment, please call Cancer Council’s free service on 13 11 20.

Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation | Registered as Gynaecological Cancer Foundation Ltd | ABN 86 158 553 229