Bridging the Gap: Ensuring Equitable Resources for Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship
Recent research has highlighted concerning disparities in funding for cancer survivorship initiatives, particularly between breast and gynecologic cancers. This disproportion was recently explored in a study presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer.
The study analyzed funding distribution from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) between 2017 and 2021, which revealed a sizable gap in financial support between breast cancer survivors and gynecologic cancer survivors. Out of 160 grants awarded during this period, 144 were allocated to breast cancer survivorship, while only 16 were directed towards gynecologic cancer survivorship initiatives.
The numbers become even more concerning when considering the disparity in the number of survivors. As of 2021, there were approximately 3,886,830 breast cancer survivors compared to 1,437,423 gynecologic cancer survivors. The study found that an individual breast cancer survivor received 4.5 times more financial support for survivorship issues than a gynecologic cancer survivor.
Payden White, MD, and mentor Shannon Armbruster, MD, of Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, emphasize the urgency of addressing these funding gaps by stressing the importance of evidence-based survivorship care, particularly for gynecologic cancer survivors who often face unique challenges.
Looking ahead, the projected increase in the number of cancer survivors in the United States highlights the need for action. By 2032, the NIH anticipates a 25% rise in the survivor population, reaching 22.5 million individuals. Among these survivors, a significant portion will be gynecologic cancer survivors, underscoring the need for equitable support.
Addressing these funding discrepancies is crucial to ensuring that all cancer survivors receive the resources they need to thrive beyond their diagnosis. We encourage you to visit the Foundation for Women’s Cancer official website to access the following resources:
Survivorship web page that houses resources and information concerning treatment-related side effects, sexuality and intimacy, postoperative pain management and more
Survivorship plans for cervical, uterine (endometrial), ovarian, and vulvar cancers
A one-page Survivorship Calendar will help you keep track of your appointments after your cancer treatment
Educational courses that address topics like eating well and financial challenges
Documentos en Español para nuestra comunidad hispana
A list of additional Survivorship resources from our partners and other organization
