Show support, not stigma

Women’s health has historically been less prioritized. Even today, gynecologic health is not talked about enough.

Complicating matters, female reproductive systems and female-presenting bodies are stigmatized and often seen as “taboo”.

Stigma, defined as “a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something” is something that all cancer patients may face, but due to societal and cultural factors including misogyny or ageism or taboos about discussing reproductive organs, may be even more frequently endured by patients who have been diagnosed with ovarian, uterine/endometrial, cervical, vaginal or vulvar cancer.

Perhaps as a result of this stigma, much too often, many are taught to dismiss or even hide the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancer for the comfort of others. This can result in later diagnoses, which, unfortunately, are linked to worse survival and treatment outcomes.

All this piles up. Patients diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer—and their caregivers—often report feeling unsupported or alienated, even within their previously supportive relationships. Depression and stress also may contribute to poorer response to cancer treatment.

But every year, we see more reasons to be hopeful that this can change:

• By building awareness about the importance of knowing risk factors and identifying the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers, we can reduce the stigma, bit by bit.
• By educating about the importance of cancer prevention, from HPV vaccines to quitting tobacco to making positive lifestyle changes, we are reducing risk for the next generation.
• By listening to patient stories and understanding that cancer is not the fault of the patient, and learning more about what patients face, we are creating a world where all of us can be seen and supported.

Join the 8th World Gynecologic Oncology Day in 2026 to show support, not stigma, for gynecological cancer patients.

#supportnotstigma #nostigmainGO