Turning grief into action: How one mother is helping shape the future of women's health care
Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG)
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
This Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (17-23 November 2025), the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is highlighting the real impact of cervical cancer and the role of education and research in improving outcomes for future generations.
Despite being the only gynaecological cancer with a screening test, over 1,100 Australian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and 269 women will lose their life to the disease. While the average age of diagnosis is 50, women can be diagnosed as young as 25. Early detection remains critical for improving survival.
For Mandy, the impact is lifelong. Her daughter, Jaime, passed away from cervical cancer at just 39 years old, leaving behind her two young children—Harrison, then 8, and Indy, just 3.
Jaime first became unwell in 2020, months after giving birth. She experienced prolonged bleeding, pain and unusual discharge, symptoms she raised repeatedly over the following year. Further investigation eventually revealed devastating news: Jaime was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer. Mandy still remembers the phone call and the shock in her daughter’s voice as they braced for what lay ahead.
“Jaime had prolonged bleeding and felt generally unwell, but as a new mum she never had the right tests.” Mandy says.
Today, Mandy shares her experience through ANZGOG’s Survivors Teaching Students® (STS) program, which brings survivors and caregivers into medical and nursing classrooms across Australia and New Zealand. The program helps future medical professionals understand the human stories behind gynaecological cancers, recognise early warning signs, and appreciate the importance of timely investigation.
“Sharing Jaime’s story is the hardest thing I do, but it’s also the most important. If one future doctor remembers her symptoms and listens a little more closely to the next woman who comes through their door, then Jaime’s experience will help save a life. That’s why I keep speaking—because no family should have to walk the path we did.” Mandy added.
The STS program is a deeply impactful national initiative that brings the voices of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer directly into university classrooms. These courageous volunteers share their personal stories to help shape a more compassionate, informed and responsive generation of healthcare professionals.
Since launching in 2017, STS volunteers have reached more than 20,000 students across 22 universities in Australia and New Zealand. Their stories help future doctors and nurses better understand the signs and symptoms of these diseases to reduce delays in diagnosis, and embed empathy, good communication and respect into the care of every woman affected.
ANZGOG CEO Alison Evans said the STS program is reshaping how our next generation of medical professionals are thinking about gynaecological cancers, including cervical cancer.
“STS is about more than education; it gives future doctors and nurses an insight they simply won’t find in their textbooks. Hearing from survivors and families creates a deeper understanding of symptoms, diagnosis delays and the lived experience of gynaecological cancers. These lessons can help ensure women will be diagnosed earlier and treated with greater compassion.”
With no government funding, the STS program relies on the support of ANZGOG’s fundraising arm, WomenCan, and more than 100 dedicated volunteers. Their commitment ensures this vital program continues to reach students and improve the outcomes for women affected by gynaecological cancer.
To support the Survivors Teaching Students program, visit: www.womencan.org.au
For more information about cervical cancer or ANZGOG’s work, visit: www.anzgog.org.au
– ENDS –
About us:
About Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG)
ANZGOG is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand. With over 1,500 members representing clinical, allied health and pure research specialities, and including community, our purpose is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer by conducting and promoting clinical trials and multidisciplinary research. Learn more
** The Survivors Teaching Students program is under license to ANZGOG from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in the USA.
Contact details:
For more information, or to interview an expert or lived experience, please contact: Monique Cerreto: T: 0416 282 464, E: [email protected]