September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) GCAM ToolKit Uterine Cancer foundationforwomenscancer.org
July 2013 Dear Friends and Colleagues: This year the Foundation for Women s Cancer invites you to join us in educating women about the most common gynecologic cancer uterine cancer. This year alone, about 49,500 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer, predominantly endometrial cancer. Fortunately more women survive this cancer than other gynecologic cancers. But as with any cancer diagnosis, early diagnosis is the key to the best outcome. This toolkit will provide you with the information you need to educate women in your community about the risks and warning signs for uterine cancer. September is just around the corner. The Foundation for Women s Cancer is sharing its annual Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) Toolkit with you again this year to assist you in planning your events. CLICK HERE to learn more about GCAM Weekend and register for free survivor courses and the 2013 National Race to End Women s Cancer in Washington, DC the first weekend in November. Since the Foundation for Women s Cancer first declared September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in 1999, there have been thousands of events at both the national and local levels to support women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, and to honor the memory of those who have passed away. CLICK HERE to visit the Educational Courses and Events webpage. Since 2009, GCAM stands for two things. The first, of course, is September, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. But an even broader meaning for GCAM is the Gynecologic Cancer Awareness MOVEMENT. This is celebrated 365 days a year and culminates in GCAM Weekend the first weekend in November this year November 1 3 in Washington, DC. The GCAM Weekend includes free courses for survivors,
This year s GCAM UTERINE CANCER LEARN, LISTEN, ACT offers steps a woman can take to manage her risk for uterine cancer and learn the warning signs to ensure an early diagnosis. about the risk factors and symptoms of uterine cancer.. to your body. to reduce your risk and take preventive steps; and seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist if your suspect or have been diagnosed with uterine cancer. and the National Race to End Women s Cancer. Please join the movement by visiting endwomenscancer.org and registering for the race today. Should you need additional resources or information, please feel free to contact the Foundation Headquarters at 312.578.1439 or info@foundationforwomenscancer.org. The kit may also be viewed and printed in the Educational Materials section of our website. We hope that this toolkit will be helpful to you as you promote your own activities during September. Again, thank you for your continued support and dedication to improving women s health. CLICK HERE to visit the Foundation for Women s Cancer website. Sincerely, David M. Gershenson, MD Chairman, Foundation for Women s Cancer Carol L. Brown, MD Communications Chair, Foundation for Women s Cancer
Contents LEARN, LISTEN, ACT...1 Uterine Cancer... 1 Tools to Help You Reach Your Audience....4 Traditional Media... 4 GCAM 2013 Sample Media Advisory... 5 GCAM 2013 Sample Press Release... 6 National Race to End Women s Cancer...8 Materials Order Form....9
LEARN, LISTEN, ACT Uterine Cancer The most common uterine cancer is endometrial cancer, and it is the most common gynecologic cancer. Uterine cancer usually occurs around the time of menopause, but younger women also are at risk. There is no screening test for endometrial cancer. Note: The Pap test only screens for cervical cancer and DOES NOT screen for uterine cancer. Risk factors for endometrial cancer include: Taking estrogen alone without progesterone Obesity Diabetes Hypertension Use of tamoxifen Late menopause (after age 52) Never becoming pregnant A family history of endometrial or colon cancer LISTEN to your body for these symptoms Abnormal vaginal bleeding; younger women should note irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding Bleeding after menopause If you experience these symptoms, you should have a biopsy of the endometrium to check for endometrial cancer. Note: You can reduce your risk of uterine cancer by taking these steps: Exercise regularly Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar under control Manage your weight If you have symptoms of endometrial cancer and receive a positive endometrial biopsy, seek care from a gynecologic oncologist. GCAM TOOLKIT 1
Uterine Cancer Risk With over 49,500 women diagnosed each year, uterine cancer, of which a majority are endometrial cancer, accounts for the fourth most common cause of cancer in women in the United States. Though there are currently no screening tests for endometrial cancer, a majority of patients present with abnormal bleeding, potentially allowing for early detection of the disease. Furthermore, the identification of high risk factors and the association with endometrial cancer has been well established. These risk factors include a direct correlation with obesity as well as diabetes, tamoxifen use, and family history/ genetic predisposition. Therefore, recognizing patients at particularly increased risk for endometrial cancer and counseling all women on symptoms and risk reduction may allow for improved outcomes. Uterine Cancer Risk Factors: Estrogen use without progesterone Diabetes Hypertension Tamoxifen use Later age of menopause Never becoming pregnant Family history Obesity However, assessment of patient awareness and their baseline knowledge in regards to endometrial cancer is unknown. Secondary to the increased availability of resources such as the Internet, patients readily have access to medical information and are often more informed than ever before. However, the quality, interpretation, and understanding of information remain unclear. In a recent study, a majority of participants were unaware of known risk factors and incorrectly identified smoking as a risk factor. Though it is a risk factor in up to 10% of cases, family history/genetic predisposition was the most frequently identified risk factor. Two common risk factors, obesity and diabetes, were less frequently reported even though some women in the study were being treated for diabetes. Similarly to studies on ovarian cancer, participants inaccurately reported that Pap tests were one of the most important tools in the prevention/detection of endometrial cancer. Furthermore, only a minority of participants, less than one fifth of the study population correctly noted the protective effect of oral contraception. Though it is one of the most common symptoms, vaginal bleeding was identified as a symptom by approximately half of the patients in each group. Furthermore, over 40% of participants in one group stated they did not know any symptoms. GCAM TOOLKIT 2
Increasing awareness of symptoms of this, the most common gynecologic cancer, may allow for earlier medical intervention and understanding risk factors may result in employing risk reduction strategies. The role of healthcare providers to counsel women on risk factors may result in the potential to offer risk-reducing behaviors (weight loss, diabetes management, etc) as well as risk assessment (genetic predisposition). There are opportunities to improve education in women regarding endometrial cancer and healthcare providers should maximize their role, as it is preferred by a majority of women we surveyed, particularly in women at increased risk. The Foundation hosts the Uterine Cancer Network for Endometrial and Uterine Cancer Survivors (UCaN) to assist women living with a uterine cancer seek increased funding for research and engage in education programs geared toward at-risk women. UCaN Working Group includes clinician researchers and advocates, and asks the Foundation in its efforts to engage in discussions about uterine cancer risk and symptoms. Women living with endometrial or other uterine cancers are invited to join the UCaN listserve by sending an email to advocacy@foundationforwomenscancer.org. Did You Know That African American women have a lower incidence rate of endometrial women as compared to Caucasian women, but die from the disease at almost twice the rate as Caucasian women. SOURCE: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program and the National Center for Health Statistics GCAM TOOLKIT 3
TOOLS TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR AUDIENCE Traditional Media The first step is to create a media list. A basic media list can be created by contacting each local outlet newspaper, radio or television to find out who should receive your event information and materials. Blogs and online publications that cover health topics can be found by searching online. For all outlets, get email addresses and phone numbers, and a contact name if available. News outlets are shortstaffed and receive an overload of news, so be as brief as possible. When constructing the media list, leave space for notes about conversations with reporters in order to keep track of their interest. Learn about special sections (i.e., health sections) or reporters who usually write about cancer, women s issues, fundraising events and other topics related to GCAM. These individuals will be more apt to promote your event because of their existing interest in the topic. Also, always provide information about how to contact your spokesperson(s) for interviews. Newspapers: Check online or ask local newspapers for the name of their city editor, health/medical reporter, features editor and any women s issues reporter they may have on staff. Send materials several weeks in advance of the event. Suggest several story angles in a follow-up call. Ask for preferences related to use of photos so you can provide appropriate photographs. Radio: Check online or ask local radio affiliates for the name of their health reporter and news director, or news assignment editor. Suggest that the station send a DJ/personality to your event to cover it live from the event location. Such coverage, called a live remote, requires advanced notice. Ask to be listed and mentioned on their community calendar, and send a brief (20 30 seconds) Public Service Announcement to their PSA contact address. Television: Check online or call local television stations for the news desk/assignment editor, as well as who to contact to list your event on the community events calendar. Also inquire whether the station has a health/medical reporter or women s issues reporter on staff. Provide information about spokesperson(s) who can be interviewed. Be aware of the importance of having a visual image for television reporters, especially when discussing a story idea with the station. Events with many people, activities and large props provide good visuals for news programs. * Important: Call the news desk/assignment editor at 4:00 p.m. (if an evening event) or 9:00 a.m. the day of your event to remind them about it and check if they have it on their assignment calendar. This often leads to being covered, especially on the weekends. GCAM TOOLKIT 4
GCAM 2013 Sample Media Advisory Your Logo Here [Organization] Joins the Foundation for Women s Cancer in New Learn, Listen, Act National Campaign to Help Women Prevent and Detect Uterine Cancer WHO: The Foundation for Women s Cancer and [your organization] will sponsor Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) in September by urging all women to LEARN how to prevent and detect uterine/ endometrial cancer, LISTEN for common symptoms, and ACT quickly to seek care from a gynecologic oncologist if she suspects or has been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. [Add a sentence about your event or project. For example: To help educate women to LEARN, LISTEN, ACT, [your organization] in partnership with the Foundation for Women s Cancer will host a lecture that explains the risks, symptoms and prevention of prevention of uterine cancer. WHAT: Include specific information about your event or project including what it is, names of speakers/presenters, topics that will be covered, interview opportunities for the media. WHEN: Date and time Women should know that bleeding after menopause could be a sign of endometrial cancer and they need to talk with their physician, preferably a gynecologist, about this symptom immediately. WHERE: Address and other information, such as parking and public transportation options, as necessary WHY: With over 49,500 women diagnosed each year, uterine cancer, of which a majority are endometrial cancer, accounts for the fourth most common cause of cancer in women in the United States. Though there are currently no screening tests for endometrial cancer, a majority of patients present with abnormal bleeding, potentially allowing for early detection of the disease. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact s name, mobile phone number and email address [Add information about your organization] The Foundation for Women s Cancer, is dedicated to raising funds for research and training, and increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. The Foundation will host the National Race to End Women s Cancer in Washington, DC on Sunday, November 3rd. Visit endwomenscancer.org for more information and to register for this event. GCAM TOOLKIT 5
GCAM 2013 Sample Press Release Your Logo Here For More Information: [Your contact name Mobile phone number Email address] [Organization] Joins the Foundation for Women s Cancer in New Learn, Listen, Act National Campaign to Help Women Prevent and Detect Uterine Cancer [Insert City], [Insert Date] [Organization Name with link to website] and the Foundation for Women s Cancer [http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/] will sponsor Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM) in September by urging all women to LEARN how to prevent and detect uterine cancer, LISTEN for common symptoms, and ACT quickly to seek care from a gynecologic oncologist if she suspects or has been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer. To help educate women to LEARN, LISTEN, ACT, [your organization] will (describe event or activity, such as: host a lecture that explains the risks, symptoms and prevention of uterine cancer. Include specific information such as date, time, location and who is involved in program.) The Foundation for Women s Cancer first declared September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in 1999. Since then, the Foundation has been joined by organizations throughout the country to bring life-saving messages to women. During GCAM in September and throughout the year, the Foundation for Women s Cancer [and your organization] will focus increased emphasis on helping women understand the steps they can take to reduce The risk of uterine cancer and the other gynecologic cancers (cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar) and receive the earliest possible diagnosis through symptom recognition. ## [Add information about your organization] The Foundation for Women s Cancer, is dedicated to raising funds for research and training, and increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. The Foundation will host the National Race to End Women s Cancer in Washington, DC on Sunday, November 3rd. Visit endwomenscancer.org for more information and to register for this event. GCAM TOOLKIT 6
Reaching Your Audience through Social Media If your organization or event doesn t already have a social media presence, create one on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Be sure to link everything you send to the media and everything you prepare and write about your event to your social media pages. Post regular announcements, photos, press releases, reminders, contests and any other information about your event on a regular basis to build excitement and keep your event in the forefront. Create a link to your social media sites on your website home page, e-newsletters and email signatures, and send out notices regularly reminding everyone on your mailing list, including your media list, to follow you on Facebook and Twitter, and to connect with you on LinkedIn. This will build your number of followers and increase exposure to your event. Be sure to create posts that engage with your audiences and solicit feedback. Ask for help in naming some aspect of the event, or have a contest to design your event logo or t-shirt, or create a quiz about GYN cancer facts and give away prizes for the most correct answers. The goal is to get your followers to comment and interact with you to build those relationships. This also shows the media that this event is interesting and important to more than just your organization. Check your social media sites daily and respond quickly to comments, and connect with other individuals and organizations that follow and like you. Link to the social media pages of media outlets and blogs you want to cover your event so you can see what types of stories they are covering and comment on them. This is an excellent way to develop a relationship with the people who post those stories as they want to build followers and comments too. Good luck! TM GCAM TOOLKIT 7
National Race to End Women s Cancer Be part of the Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Movement (GCAM) by participating in the 2013 National Race to End Women s Cancer in Washington, DC on November 3, 2013. Whether you run the 8k or walk the 1-mile course, please join the entire gynecologic cancer community in raising awareness and funds to support our cause. On Saturday, November 2, 2013, there will be courses for survivors of ovarian and uterine cancers at the Marriott Metro Center. For more information on the courses and to register for the race, please visit the National Race to End Women s Cancer website at endwomenscancer.org. CLICK HERE for more information or to register for the National Race to End Women s Cancer Can t make it to DC? You don t have to be there in person to participate you can sleep in and still support the cause! Each registration and donation supports the Foundation s efforts. Of course, we d love for you to join us for an amazing weekend of education, energy, support and awareness raising, but the most important thing is to be part of the growing national movement to prevent, detect, treat and defeat reproductive cancers. Movements MATTER. National Race to End Women s Cancer GYN Cancer: #EndWomensCancer GCAM TOOLKIT 8
TITLE GENERAL Foundation Answers Questions about Clinical Trials Foundation Bulletin Foundation for Women s Cancer Overview Learn, Listen, Act to Maintain Your Gynecologic Health Renewing Intimacy and Sexuality After Gynecologic Cancer * Foundation for Women s Cancer * MATERIALS ORDER FORM * State of the State of Gynecologic Cancers: A Report to the Women of America (Limit: 1 per person) CERVICAL CANCER HPV Fact Sheet Take the Pledge Brochure Take the Pledge Business Card Take the Pledge Postcard Take the Pledge Poster English Take the Pledge Poster Spanish Take the Pledge Table Tent Card Understanding Cervical Cancer You Can Prevent Cervical Cancer: Vaccinate Early, Screen Regularly English You Can Prevent Cervical Cancer: Vaccinate Early, Screen Regularly Spanish ENDOMETRIAL CANCER Understanding Endometrial Cancer Understanding Your Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer OVARIAN CANCER After Breast Cancer: The Links between Ovarian/Breast Cancer English After Breast Cancer: The Links between Ovarian/Breast Cancer Spanish Are You At Risk For Ovarian Cancer Ovarian Cancer National Resource List English Ovarian Cancer National Resource List Spanish Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Bookmark 5.5 x1.5 Quick Guide to Ovarian Cancer Information Understanding CA 125 Levels Understanding Ovarian Cancer Understanding Primary Peritoneal Cancer Understanding Your Risk of Ovarian Cancer DESCRIPTION ORDER CHARGES TOTAL NUMBER OF BROCHURES ORDERED: Total number of brochures @ $0.25 each Nonprofit organizations can order up to 100 total brochures for free (shipping charges still apply to all orders) Shipping: 1-99 brochures $10.85 100-299 brochures $13.85 300 or more brochures $16.85 TOTAL CHARGES: No purchase orders accepted, payment is due along with the order form QUANTITY OUT OF STOCK OUT OF STOCK OUT OF STOCK OUT OF STOCK COST $ $ $ PAYMENT INFORMATION Choose one: Check (Made payable to Foundation for Women s Cancer) Credit Card Credit Card Information: Card number Expiration Date Security Code Name on card (please print) Signature Date SHIPPING INFORMATION Name Company Mailing Address (We cannot ship to P. O Boxes City State Zip Code Phone Email Address RETURN YOUR FORM BY MAIL or FAX or EMAIL to: Foundation for Women s Cancer * 230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528 * Chicago, IL 60606 Phone number 312.578.1439 * Fax number 312.578.9769 * Email info@foundationforwomenscancer.org * Website: foundationforwomenscancer.org 04/04/13
Foundation for Women s Cancer 230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528 Chicago, IL 60606 312.578.1439 info@foundationforwomenscancer.org foundationforwomenscancer.org 2013 Foundation for Women s Cancer. All rights reserved. REGISTER TODAY! 2013 national Race to End Women s Cancer H H H SUNDAY, November 3, 2013 Washington, DC The Foundation gratefully acknowledges Genentech for its funding support of this toolkit. Funding support excludes editorial input. Register today by visiting foundationforwomenscancer.org to enter the National Race to End Women s Cancer website. Register as an individual or better yet, form a team! Can t make it to Washington? You can STILL register, get a race shirt and help support the cause by joining a virtual team! National Race to End Women s Cancer GYN Cancer: #EndWomensCancer