Network raising awareness of ovarian cancer wins Irish Healthcare Award 2024

Posted on: 09 December 2024

The INGO is delighted to be announced the winner of the Patient Organisation Project of the Year at the Irish Healthcare Awards 2024 for their Ovarian Cancer Awareness Campaign. Irish Healthcare Awards (hosted by the Irish Medical Times) were celebrated in front of industry leaders on Wednesday 4 December, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Dublin.

Amanda Creane, GS1 (sponsor), Sharon O'Toole and host Anton Savage

The INGO, a voluntary group comprising thirty of Ireland’s foremost gynaecological cancer campaigners and patient advocates, is coordinated by Dr Sharon O’Toole, Research Fellow in the School of Medicine (pictured above, centre). The network has raised the profile of ovarian cancer and its symptoms,  on World Ovarian Cancer Day, May 8^th, each year, to impact on the dreadful mortality rate of the disease.

INGO research revealed 4 in 5 women in Ireland were not confident in recognising ovarian cancer symptoms. The campaign utilises a BEAT acronym; Bloating, Eating Difficulties, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes, to make symptoms easy to remember.

The successful work of the network has included an all-Ireland media relations approach to the campaign, partnering with Brazilian street artist Brutto, who created an impressive mural on Grafton Street, Dublin, depicting BEAT messaging and educating passersby on ovarian cancer symptoms and lighting up notable landmarks and county councils across the country lit up in teal, World Ovarian Cancer Day’s official colour on May 8^th.

Sharon O’Toole said:

“I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology who are dedicated to raising awareness of gynaecological cancers. The award recognises the impact of the BEAT (Bloating, Eating difficulties, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes) to raise awareness of the ovarian cancer symptoms.  We want to thank the team in the Reputations Agency, our clinicians and most importantly to the amazing patients who shared their impactful stories.”

The Irish Healthcare Awards brought together over 500 medical professionals to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations striving to make the healthcare sector an exemplary place to work. The awards panel was made up of more than 25 judges—including some of the country’s most respected physicians, educators, patient advocates, medical journalists, and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.

Terence Cosgrave, Editor, Irish Medical Times

“The Irish Healthcare Awards are the premier awards in the Irish healthcare sector. Now in their 23rd year, the awards reward excellence and professionalism in the healthcare sector - recognising innovation, achievement, projects, meetings and technology that improves the patient's journey.”

INGO Members: ARC Cancer Support Centres, Dublin; Answers for Cancer Podcast team; BRCA Ireland; Breakthrough Cancer Research; Cancer Care West; Cancer Trials Ireland; CervicalCheck; CERVIVA; Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre; Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin; Cork ARC Cancer Support; Cork Cancer Care Centre; East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre; Emer Casey Foundation; Hive Cancer Support, Derry; Irish Cancer Society; Irish Society of Gynaecological Oncology; Karen Fenton Ovarian Cancer Fund; Lynch Syndrome Ireland; Marie Keating Foundation; Mater Hospital Dublin; National Cancer Control Programme; National Immunisation Office; National Women’s Council of Ireland; OvaCare; Purple House Cancer Support; Queens, Belfast; Sláinte an Chláir; Sligo Cancer Support; SOCK; Swell Fermanagh Cancer Survivorship Group;  St. James’s Hospital Foundation (GynaeCancerCare); Trinity College Dublin; Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute; University College Cork; University College Dublin School of Medicine; University College Dublin Gynaecological Oncology Group and 221+ CervicalCheck Patient Support Group.

More information on the INGO is here: Irish Network of Gynaecological Oncology (INGO)

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