IGCS Palliative Care Initiative Manuscript Published in IJGC

Today, we are proud to announce the publication of the manuscript, International Gynecologic Cancer Society Palliative Care Initiative in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.   

At the 2023 IGCS Annual Global Meeting held in Seoul, Korea, the Presidential Plenary Session focused on this important topic.  This manuscript reaffirms the significance of this session, expresses the Palliative and Supportive Care Declaration made by the IGCS, and describes our action plan.  

In this publication, authors Keiichi Fujiwara, Stephen R. Connor, Noriko Fujiwara, Raimundo Correa, Anisa Mburu, Debbie Leopold, Mary Eiken, and Michael L. Pearl convey IGCS’ commitment to the following principles: 

1. The Right to Palliative and Supportive Care 
2. Integration of Palliative and Supportive Care 
3. Education and Training  
4. Research and Innovation 
5. Patient-Centered Approach 
6. Global Collaboration 

Now armed with this information, IGCS is calling on its members to prioritize and advocate for equity in access to palliative and supportive care worldwide and work with their care teams to ensure patients receive the compassionate, quality care they deserve. Last November in Seoul, we called on our members and followers to take the pledge. Today, I ask you to reaffirm your commitment. 

Do you pledge to support the IGCS Declaration on Palliative and Supportive Care? Are you committed to relieving serious health-related suffering for women with gynecologic cancers? Click below to sign the pledge and to learn more about the actionable steps aligned with the six above principles. 

As we know, cervical cancer is the most diagnosed and leading cause of cancer-related death among women in LMICs. For those with advanced cervical cancer, suffering is highly prevalent and often severe and multifaceted with patients experiencing a combination of physical, psychological, social and spiritual distress. Many LMICs face disparities in access and distribution of essential pain medication such as opioids due to competing priorities including access to clean water and food as well as regulations prohibiting opioid prescribing. 

Palliative and supportive care is an integral part of compassionate gynecologic cancer care, although it is often confused with hospice care. Meant to reduce suffering, it is appropriate at any point in a serious illness and can/should be provided at the same time as and in addition to life-prolonging treatment. Recent evidence suggests that palliative care, in addition to improving quality of life, improves overall survival.  

This manuscript further outlines a contemporary view of palliative care, which IGCS feels is important for all IGCS members to understand. Worldwide, the unfilled need for palliative care is enormous. With increased awareness and understanding, our members and partners can join us in advocating for improved access to essential medicines and services for our patients. 

Read more in the publication and please share it with your colleagues. We encourage all IGCS members to continue to educate yourself on this important issue, spread awareness to your colleagues, and advocate for equitable access to compassionate care services. 

Keiichi Fujiwara, MD, PhD
IGCS President