What’s happening?
A national cancer awareness program is calling on women from Central Queensland to share their personal journey with gynaecological cancer to help educate the next generation of medical professionals.
The Survivors Teaching Students® (STS) program, run by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), brings survivors into university classrooms to speak directly to medical and nursing students.
Why it matters
Each day, 19 women in Australia are diagnosed with a form of gynaecological cancer—ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, or vaginal. Tragically, six die daily from the disease.
For women in regional and rural areas like Central Queensland, the journey to diagnosis and treatment is often more difficult. Sharing lived experiences through STS can help future health workers spot signs earlier and provide more respectful, informed care.
Local Impact
Alison Evans, CEO of ANZGOG, said: “We’re inviting women from across Northern QLD to be part of this remarkable initiative. Your story could be the one that helps a future doctor or nurse recognise the signs of gynaecological cancer and save a life.”
No public speaking background is required. Volunteers are supported in a safe environment and often find the experience healing and meaningful. The program is especially looking to reach more women from rural and regional communities.
By the Numbers:
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19 women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer every day in Australia.
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6 lives lost daily to these cancers.
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Over 20,000 students reached through STS since 2017.
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Active in 22 universities with the help of 100+ volunteers nationwide.
Zoom In
Monash University medical student Shiva Sridhar shared how the program made an impact on her learning: “What we learn through textbooks and lectures can never truly capture the essence of the illness experience and hearing from the women themselves provided great insight into how this disease affected their day-to-day life.”
Zoom Out
ANZGOG is the peak national body for gynaecological cancer research in Australia and New Zealand. Its mission is to improve survival and quality of life through collaborative clinical trials and research.
STS is delivered in partnership with WomenCan, ANZGOG’s fundraising arm, and is licensed from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in the US.
What to look for next?
As STS expands in Central Queensland, ANZGOG hopes more local women will come forward to become part of this unique volunteer network. Their stories have the power to transform how healthcare is taught and delivered.
To learn more or sign up, visit www.anzgog.org.au/sts. To support the program with a donation, visit WomenCan.org.au.
