International Gynecological Cancer Society Commits to Palliative Care Integration

The IGCS recently partnered with the WHPCA and the American Eurasian Cancer Alliance to promote the integration of palliative care into gynecologic cancer practices worldwide. This partnership resulted in the IGCS President making the theme for his presidency palliative care and the publication of a statement in the Society’s International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. This published consensus statement on palliative care (open access at: https://doi.org/10.1136/ijgc-2024-005729) includes six commitments.

1. The Right to Palliative and Supportive Care

Access to quality palliative and supportive care services is a fundamental human right and disparities in access should be addressed with the goal that all patients, regardless of their geographic location, socioeconomic status, or any other factors, receive equitable care.

2. Integration of Palliative and Supportive Care

We advocate for the seamless integration of palliative and supportive care into the holistic care of those with gynecologic cancer, ensuring that it is an integral part of cancer management from the time of diagnosis onward, and not a last resort.

3. Education and Training

We encourage healthcare professionals, including the entire inter- disciplinary gynecologic oncology care team, to receive essential education and training in palliative and supportive care to improve their understanding, skills, and knowledge to alleviate symptoms

and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, educational opportunities for patients and the public should be made available.

4. Research and Innovation

We call on researchers, institutions, organizations, funding bodies, and governments to invest in studies that advance our understanding of palliative and supportive care interventions in gynecologic cancer, build capacity, and aim for continuous improvement,

innovation, and value-based healthcare.

5. Patient-centered Approach

We emphasize the importance of adopting a patient-centered approach in gynecologic cancer care, which includes active communication, shared decision-making, and respect for patients’ values and preferences.

6. Global Collaboration

We commit to fostering global collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, organizations, patients and patient advocates, and other stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programs that prioritize palliative and supportive care in

gynecologic oncology.

In addition, the article includes an IGCS membership pledge and call to action calling on its members to integrate palliative care into their practices. Anyone interested in improving access to palliative care for women with GYN cancers, especially cervical cancer that has the highest incidence of serious health related suffering should read this article.