Introduction Ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of all gynaecological cancers at <46%. The rising incidence (1640 per year by 2020) represents a growing burden for women in Australia[1].
The National Framework for Gynaecological Cancer Control (2016)[2] identifies priorities: “greater awareness of symptoms of gynaecological cancer, timely investigation and referral of a woman who may have symptoms… improve earlier detection, enabling more timely treatment and improving the chances of long-term survival." McRae (2016)[3] argues “improving outcomes for patients affected by cancer starts with undergraduate medical education curricula” and that despite “the impact of cancer in Australia being immense”, this is not “reflected in the time devoted to its teaching and learning.” Survivors are powerful advocates for change in outcomes for ovarian cancer.
Aim To raise awareness of ovarian cancer with our future diagnosticians and health professionals, empowering survivors to use their lived experience to advocate for timely diagnosis, leading to better outcomes into the future.
Method Survivors Teaching Students® is an experiential learning program for medical and health students. It targets identified priority areas: raise awareness of ovarian cancer signs and symptoms; and enhance learning opportunities in medical curricula. This consumer led international program, developed in US in 2002 (now in Australia, Canada, UK) takes a pedagogical approach that focuses on broadening the student experience through engaging them with survivors, women and caregivers telling their “real-life experience”.
Conclusion STS demonstrates benefits for students (n=1500) and survivors (n=80). AUS 2018 data (international data) shows an increase in students’ knowledge and awareness of ovarian cancer: medical - 23% (22%); nursing - 37% (40%); allied health – 70%.
Survivors report feeling empowered to tell their stories. Qualitative data indicates high levels of satisfaction, with significant benefits reported as: regaining control of one’s life, sense of purpose, feelings of hope and healing.