S.H.E is delighted to announce our support in funding the delivery of the Survivors Teaching Students Program® led by ANZGOG and the University of Tasmania.

This article was originally published by ANZGOG. You can access it here

Survivors of ovarian and other gynaecological cancers from across the state are set to bravely share their very personal stories with Tasmania’s next generation of doctors with the launch of an innovative education program, Survivors Teaching Students® at the University of Tasmania.

What is Survivors Teaching Students® ?
Survivors Teaching Students® is a ground-breaking volunteer program that brings ovarian and other gynaecological cancer survivors and caregivers into the classrooms of health professional students to teach them about women’s experiences with the diseases. Through the program students gain a unique insight into the often difficult journey to diagnosis, the realities of treatment and the ongoing fears, hope and challenges of living with cancer – the type of understanding that can’t be gained via a pathology lecture or textbook.
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is pleased to be leading the program in Australia and New Zealand and is delighted to have the support of S.H.E. Gynaecological Cancer Group to fund the delivery of the program to Tasmania’s medical students.

“The goal of Survivors Teaching Students is to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian and gynaecological cancers amongst the next generation of health professionals, so the diseases are detected without delay giving women the best chance of survival” said Dr Helen Gooden, National Manager of the Survivors Teaching Students program.

This year more than 6500 women in Australia will be diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. It is predicted more than 1700 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and less than half of these women (48%) will survive five years beyond their diagnosis.*

“Survivors and caregivers are in a unique position to help students understand the lived experience of a gynaecological cancer, including the emotional impact and the importance of good communication and compassionate care. It is an opportunity for the students to learn about the art of medicine, which is just as important as the science,” said Dr Gooden.

“S.H.E believe that the insights and experiences the survivors will share with the students will enhance the students’ knowledge of gynaecological cancers, and improve the support to Tasmanian women and their families after a diagnosis is received,” said Annie Archer, Board Member, S.H.E.

“We look forward to an ongoing and successful relationship with ANZGOG and the University of Tasmania to support the delivery of the Survivors Teaching Students program in Tasmania.”
Dr Kathryn Ogden, Senior Lecturer, Tasmanian School of Medicine said The University of Tasmania prides itself on graduating doctors who are well versed in the importance of practicing whole patient care.