Introduction Ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of all gynaecological cancers at 43%. The rising incidence (predicted1640 per year by 2020) represents a growing burden for women in Australia[1].
The National Framework for Gynaecological Cancer Control (2016)[2] identifies as a priority, “greater awareness of symptoms of gynaecological cancer, timely investigation and referral of a woman who may have symptoms… [to] improve earlier detection, enabling more timely treatment and improving the chances of long-term survival." McRae (2016)[3] emphasised in a recent review article “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 empower survivors to use their own lived experience to advocate for better outcomes and awareness of ovarian cancer into the future.
Method Survivors Teaching Students® is an experiential learning program for medical and nursing students. This program targets the identified priority areas: raise awareness of ovarian cancer signs and symptoms; and enhance learning opportunities in medical curricula. This consumer led program, developed in 2002 in the US (also now in Canada and 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 both students and survivors. The international data (2017) shows an increase in students’ knowledge and awareness of ovarian cancer (medical - 22%; nursing - 40% improvement). Our (2018) data supports these findings. Survivors feel 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, hope and feelings of empowerment.