Introduction: More than 6700 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer in Australia each year[1]. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancer – five-year survival rate 49%[2].
The National Framework for Gynaecological Cancer Control[3] identified priorities: “greater awareness of symptoms of gynaecological cancer, timely investigation and referral of women who may have symptoms…improve earlier detection, enabling more timely treatment and improving the chances of long-term survival.”
Despite its prevalence, cancer forms a very small component of the medical student curriculum[4], with some graduates reporting feeling under-prepared for patient interactions.[5][6] The proposed Cancer Education Framework for Australian Medical Schools[7] identifies patient-centred care and developing understanding of the patient experience, psychosocial impacts, as key aspects of cancer education.
Aim: Through the sharing of lived experience, gynaecological cancer survivors and caregivers strengthen cancer education by advocating for increased understanding of gynaecological cancers, timely diagnosis, good health communication and compassionate care.
Method: Survivors Teaching Students® is an experiential learning program for medical and nursing students. The international, volunteer-led program supplements traditional teaching providing unique insights into the patient and caregiver experience. The program provides a voice for those affected by gynaecological cancer and the opportunity to effect change for the future.
Results: Student evaluations (n=10,300 students) demonstrated the effectiveness of this learning which provides “a deeper insight into the human aspect of cancer” and increased understanding of gynaecological cancers. The results support the findings of Burch et al.[8] that “students experienced superior learning outcomes when experiential pedagogies were employed.” Survivors (n=97) reported participation in the program to be an empowering and cathartic experience “We take students away from their textbooks and into real life…to improve survival rates and helping to shape future care.”
Conclusion: Survivors Teaching Students® enabled productive interactions between survivors of gynaecological cancer and health students, enhancing communication and strengthening the foundation for further study.