Introduction Ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of all gynaecological cancers, only 48% at five years. Often called the ‘silent killer’, it is the sixth most common cause of cancer death for women in Australia[1].
The National Framework for Gynaecological Cancer Control (2016)[2] identified priorities as: “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."
Through the Survivors Teaching Students® program, survivors of ovarian cancer are given a voice and agency, empowered to share their stories and break the silence. Survivors are in a unique position to provide medical/nursing students with the opportunity of understanding the importance of the art of medicine – the ability to better understand their patients. Despite its prevalence, cancer forms one very small component of the medical student curriculum, resulting in both clinical and assessment gaps in cancer education[3].
Aim Survivors share their lived experience with future diagnosticians to raise awareness of ovarian cancer to promote timely diagnosis. Ovarian cancer survivors advocate to improve person-centred cancer care and better health communication.
Method Survivors Teaching Students® is an experiential learning program for medical/ nursing students, targeting identified priority areas: raising awareness of signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer; enhancing medical curricula learning opportunities. This survivor-led international program provides women and caregivers with a voice and the opportunity to effect change by engaging students with “real-life experience”.
Conclusion Student evaluations (n=6000) demonstrate effectiveness of this learning: “The poor prognosis, little awareness and support available compared to other more common types of cancers make it an incredibly difficult experience” and survivors (n=110) who report significant benefits for them as: “feelings of hope and healing, sense of purpose and empowerment, regaining control of one’s life”.