One in Three Women Mistakenly Believe Cervical Screening Checks for All Gynaecological Cancers. INGO Launches Annual World GO Day Campaign with Minister Mary Butler to Shine a Light on Gynaecological Cancers, Responsible for Nearly 2,000 Diagnoses in Ireland Each Year
World Gynaecological Oncology (GO) Day Urges Open Conversations and Awareness of All Five Gynaecological Cancers. INGO Research Reveals 1 in 7 Women Too Embarrassed to Visit GP with Cancer Warning Sign
Monday, 15th September 2025: World Gynaecological Oncology Day (World GO Day) takes place on 20th September 2025. On this day, patients, advocates, and medical professionals around the world unite to raise awareness of all five types of gynaecological cancers (vulval, vaginal, cervical, uterine, and ovarian), promote early detection, and support affected women globally through open conversations.
The Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology (INGO) is a voluntary coordination body of over 30 of Ireland’s leading gynaecological cancer campaigners, researchers, and patient advocates. Committed to educating the public on prevention, symptoms, early diagnosis, and treatment, INGO launches an annual campaign each year to coincide with World Gynaecological oncology Day.
World GO Day in Ireland
Information Event on Gynae Cancers:
Free information event at 3pm on World GO Day (20th September) at the Breakthrough Cancer Research Cancer Revolution Exhibition in Stephen’s Green shopping centre, Dublin. Moderated by Minister Ivana Bacik, Dr Clare Thompson will discuss symptoms, risk factors and prevention and also feature patient testimonials. Registration is available at www.worldgoday.org/go-day-activities/.
Dip4GODay:
Swimming hats, kindly sponsored by the HSE National Cancer Control Programme, have been distributed to swimming groups across Ireland encouraging women to get out and get active, raise awareness of reducing the risk of uterine cancer and the importance of acting on potential early signs or symptoms. Details of dips on www.worldgoday.org/go-day-activities/
Dance4GODay:
Choreographer Jane Shortall has choreographed a routine to best-selling Boyzone track https://youtu.be/xXE6_whRTBQ. A number of dances will take place across the country. Details of dances on www.worldgoday.org/go-day-activities/
Light Up Purple:
To mark World GO Day, 25 buildings across Ireland will light up in purple, the international campaign colour; Áras Mac Dhiarmada, Casino Marino, Collins Barracks, Cork City Hall, Dept. of Education (Marlborough St.), Dublin Castle Bedford Tower, Dublin Castle Chapel Royal, East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support, Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Kildare St.), Farmleigh (Water Tower), Four Courts, Kilkenny Castle, Leinster House, Le Poer Trench, Mansion House, National Concert Hall, National Library, National Museum, Pearse Lyons Distillery (Dublin), Phoenix Park Roundabout, Rock of Cashel, St. James’s Hospital, St. Stephen’s Green – Wolfe Tone Monument, The Coombe Hospital, Titanic Belfast.
Free coffee and chat event Belfast and Enniskillen:
As part of World GO Day, OvaCare, an ovarian cancer support charity will be hosting a free coffee and chat event in Europe Hotel, Belfast on Sept 13th and Swell Centre, Enniskillen on Oct 11th. Please visit https://ovacare.ie/events/event-registration/ to register.
Testimonials
Minister Mary Butler, Minister of State at the Department of Health supported the launch of World GO Day with INGO and said: “I am delighted to support INGO’s World GO Day this year. Raising awareness about all gynaecological cancers is crucial to ensure women understand their health and feel confident seeking help. Early detection can save lives, and campaigns like World GO Day empower women to recognise symptoms, speak openly with their GP, and access care without fear or stigma. By shining a spotlight on these cancers, we can break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and encourage women from all communities to prioritise their health. I encourage everyone to take part on 20th September – whether by attending events, joining a ‘Dip or Dance,’ or simply talking openly about gynaecological health with friends and family – every action can make a difference.”
Suzanne Bermingham, Patient Advocate and Nurse, shares her experience: “Having lived with endometriosis and adenomyosis, I was used to heavy bleeding, but when my symptoms became severe enough to require a blood transfusion, I knew something was different. Participating in the World GO Day swim and seeing the gynaecological cancer symptom checklist made me realise I couldn’t ignore it. My message to women is simple: don’t ignore your symptoms, advocate for yourself, and speak openly about all aspects of women’s health. I swim twice a week with my family across four generations (my daughter, mother, and grandchild) which gives us time to connect and talk openly. Family support is invaluable and understanding what’s normal versus a warning sign empowers us to seek help, because speaking up can save lives.”