Poster Listing

Introduction and Aims: More than 8000 women are diagnosed<br/>with a gynaecological cancer in Australia and New Zealand each<br/>year.1,2 Gynaecological cancer survivors and caregivers are in a unique<br/>position to share personal insights to shape future directions in gynaecological<br/>cancer research, advocate for research funding and educate<br/>the next generation of health professionals.<br/>Recognising the importance of the consumer voice, the Australia<br/>New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) sought<br/>to develop a Community Engagement Program (CEP) that provides<br/>opportunities for people with a lived experience of gynaecological<br/>cancer to contribute meaningfully and effect outcomes for<br/>gynaecological cancer patients now and into the future.<br/>Methods: ANZGOG undertook a process of discovery regarding best<br/>practice in community engagement to define the strategy and framework<br/>to provide meaningful opportunities for volunteer contribution.<br/>Development of the CEP was informed by extensive consultation<br/>with stakeholders, ANZGOG members, community volunteers and<br/>organisations with significant experience in consumer partnerships.<br/>Results: Consultation confirmed that ANZGOG’s CEP will provide<br/>opportunities for people with a lived experience of gynaecological<br/>cancer (n = 123) to contribute across three pillars: Education, Advocacy<br/>and Research – based upon individual areas of interest, or<br/>expertise, by matching volunteers with the pillar most suited to them.<br/>It was considered essential that volunteers are provided with training<br/>and ongoing support to fulfill their role.<br/>Conclusion: The design of the CEP ensures ANZGOG’s strategies,<br/>priorities and activities are informed by, and reflect, the diverse needs<br/>of people with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer.<br/>1. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/gynaecologicalcancers/<br/>statistics<br/>2. https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/new-cancer-registrations-<br/>2019