Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
September 1 - September 30
About Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month runs from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September 2026. Promoted by the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC), the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the month raises awareness of the five main gynaecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. It encourages women to understand symptoms, screening options, and risk factors that can help with earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
What is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month?
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, abbreviated as GCAM, is an annual September observance dedicated to gynaecological cancers. The month focuses on educating women about symptoms, prevention, treatment options, clinical trials, and the latest research. It also amplifies the voices of survivors and the medical professionals who treat these cancers, while raising vital funds for research and patient support.
When is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month?
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month is observed throughout September each year. In 2026, it runs from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September. The month is fixed annually and is recognised by health authorities and patient advocacy groups around the world.
Why Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Gynaecological cancers affect hundreds of thousands of women each year. In the United States alone, more than 100,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer annually. Many of these cancers are highly treatable when caught early, but symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for less serious conditions. Awareness saves lives. Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month gives women the language, knowledge, and confidence to talk to their doctor about unusual symptoms, attend screening appointments, and advocate for their own health.
How to Get Involved in Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
There are many practical ways to take part, whether you are a patient, survivor, healthcare professional, or supporter:
- Wear a teal ribbon – Teal is the awareness colour for gynaecological cancers. Wearing a ribbon, jewellery, or clothing in teal sparks conversations and shows solidarity.
- Know the symptoms – Learn the signs of each gynaecological cancer, from persistent bloating and pelvic pain to abnormal bleeding and urinary changes, and share the information with the women in your life.
- Book overdue screenings – Use the month as a prompt to book a cervical screening (smear test) if you are due, and to discuss any other recommended screening with your doctor.
- Get the HPV vaccine – The HPV vaccine prevents the majority of cervical cancers and is recommended for adolescents in many countries. If you missed your chance, ask your healthcare provider about catch-up vaccination.
- Donate or fundraise – Support the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Action, The Eve Appeal, or other gynaecological cancer charities through donations or fundraising events.
- Attend or host an event – Many hospitals and charities run educational webinars, runs, and information sessions throughout the month.
- Share survivor stories – Survivors and their loved ones can use the month to share stories on social media, breaking taboos around women’s bodies and helping others recognise symptoms.
History of Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month was first established in September 1999 by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation in partnership with the American Hospital Association. The decision to dedicate a full month reflected the breadth of cancers covered and the need for sustained education throughout the year.
Since 2011, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) has been the leading organisation promoting Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. As the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), FWC is uniquely placed to combine medical expertise with public outreach. Each year FWC publishes resource toolkits, factsheets, and survivor stories that hospitals, clinics, and community groups use to spread the message.
Over the past two decades, the month has grown from a US-led campaign into an international observance. UK charities such as The Eve Appeal, Ovarian Cancer Action, and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust use September to mark the month, while research institutions worldwide use it to highlight new findings on detection, treatment, and survivorship.
Noteworthy Facts About Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month
- The first Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month was held in September 1999.
- Teal is the awareness colour for all gynaecological cancers.
- The Foundation for Women’s Cancer has promoted the month annually since 2011.
- Around 100,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer each year in the United States alone.
- Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers thanks to HPV vaccination and routine screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month?
It is an annual September observance that raises awareness of the five main gynaecological cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar.
When is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month in 2026?
It runs throughout September 2026, from Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 30 September.
What colour represents gynaecological cancer?
Teal is the awareness colour for gynaecological cancers as a group, although individual cancers also have their own awareness colours, such as light blue for cervical cancer.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #GCAM2026 and #GynCancer on social media. The more women who know the symptoms and risk factors, the more lives we can save through earlier diagnosis.
Related Awareness Days
- World Ovarian Cancer Day – A global day dedicated to ovarian cancer, one of the cancers covered during GCAM.
- Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week – A complementary observance focused on women’s wellbeing.
- International Day of Families – Recognises the role of families, including those supporting a loved one through cancer treatment.
Links
2026 Health Awareness Calendar
Health and wellbeing awareness days throughout the year. Perfect for clinics, HR teams, and schools.
View Calendar →
