This petition is inspired by a personal tragedy - which could have and should have been prevented. My mum gracefully battled stage 4b peritoneal cancer that spread to her ovaries, lymph nodes, and liver leaving her with a terminal diagnosis in April 2024 - whilst being under the care of the Gynaecology and Chronic Pain Team within the NHS since 2018, but yet suspect her cancer started in 2022. My mum died in December 2024 and I would like to advocate for woman’s health in her honour. 

Unfortunately, it was too late for my mum so now this is for the countless women whose lives could be changed and saved with improved medical guidelines and practices. Gynaecological cancers are insidious and invasive. In 2022, the same year they suspect my mums cancer started over 1.4 million woman globally were diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer. 

In light of this, we appeal to health authorities and concerned bodies to improve the frequency and comprehensiveness of GP check-ups surrounding the five gynaecological cancers which include:

1. cervical - (the only one with screening)
2. ovarian,
3. uterine,
4. vaginal,
5. vulvar cancers. 

Greater awareness amongst healthcare professionals ensures early detection, a crucial factor given that the survival rate from ovarian cancer dramatically increases from 30% to 90% when caught in stage 1. (Source: Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance)

What I would like to see: 

• Expansion and investment for screening programmes for the 4 gynaecological cancers currently without a screening process

• More use of CA125 blood tests to be used as an early detection tool

• Lowering the age of the ONLY screening test available in detecting early stage cervical cancer

• Increased public awareness of signs and symptoms and improved GP awareness

• Current Smear Test appointments to be longer to have the time to ask more questions

Through my loss, I have learnt the crushing weight of these facts and have learnt that there should be more preventative measures in place instead. It's time i turn my grief into positive change, sparing others painful ordeals and offering them a better shot at survival. 

With the feedback on my recent social media posts - I know there are so many woman who have been in the same position or is related to someone or know someone who resonates with a late diagnosis. EARLY INTERVENTION IS KEY. 

Please join me in signing this petition to save future mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives from the heartbreak of gynaecological cancers - Your voice matters. Please advocate for yourself and for others.