The ANZGOG 18th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) took place in New Zealand, Aotearoa, drawing the largest in-person attendance in the event's history.
The ANZGOG ASM is a yearly conference for healthcare professionals and researchers who work in the field of gynaecological oncology. Delegates meet to discuss the latest developments in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship of gynaecological cancers. The conference is renowned for encouraging knowledge sharing and collaboration among attendees to empower those working to and enhance the quality of life for women diagnosed with these diseases.
Held in Wellington for the first time, 339 delegates discussed the theme "Breaking Down Barriers in Gynaecological Cancer Care," emphasizing the cultural, socioeconomic, and regional diversity of patients and opportunities to improve care access.
“This year’s ASM in Wellington, Aotearoa was very special – with the theme focused around equity, members were privileged to hear from Maori, Pacific and First Nations leaders in this space who shared their experiences and wisdom. The conference has sparked the beginning of ANZGOG’s journey in working towards equitable health access and outcomes for gynaecological cancer across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Dr Claire Henry (Translational Researcher, NZ)
The meeting provided an excellent platform for early career researchers to connect with leaders in gynecological oncology. This year’s ASM also allowed the opportunity for some of our New Zealand Survivors Teaching Students program volunteers to attend the conference and exchange insights, experiences and perspectives of their lived experience with our Australian community volunteers who attended as well. Together they attended volunteer focused workshops as well as sat in some of the main conference sessions with guidance from our research team as to the level of suitability of these sessions for consumers.
Pre-conference day
The conference began with a traditional Mihi Whakatau welcome led by Kaumatua Peter Jackson, followed by a waiata from New Zealand delegates. The 'Journey to Equity' session highlighted the need for more work in the equity area and the importance of consulting Maori, Pacific, and First Nations communities for progress.
After morning tea, the conference offered specialised workshops for early career researchers, scientists, radiation oncologists, consumers, gynae-onc nurses, and study coordinators, along with the Pure Science Symposium. The ‘Workshop with Indigenous and Pacific people – Opportunities?’ addressed the challenges and opportunities in gynae cancer care for these groups.
“This session has been incredibly informative and inspiring. It’s so empowering to know that there is a lot of work already underway to achieve equity in indigenous and Pacific peoples and I feel strongly motivated and inspired to do my bit!”
Dr Minah Ha
Gynaecology Oncology Fellow, NZ
TUESDAY 23 APRIL – CONFERENCE DAY 1
Early risers began the day with a WomenCan walk along Wellington’s harborside, enjoying the fresh morning. After a popular Breakfast Symposium on cervical cancer, delegates started the day with a Mihi Whakatau, followed by Australian delegates singing ‘Waltzing Matilda’ in response to a New Zealand waiata.
The morning’s program featured outstanding presentations, including First Nation’s Perspective on Research’ by Lisa Jackson-Pulver which delved into the disparities in gynaecological cancer care outcomes amongst First Nations patients.
Delegates were then treated to three excellent international keynote presentations:
- Prof Emma Crosbie (U.K.) – Preventing obesity driven endometrial cancer
- Dr Gemma Eminowicz (U.K.) – Optimising outcomes for locally advanced cervical cancer in the real world
- Prof Isabelle Ray-Coquard (France) – French Rare Gynaecological Cancer Network: a strategy to improve outcomes in rare tumour groups
- Michael Friedlander AM Award – Dr Nicola Meagher
- Research Pioneer Award – Prof Anna DeFazio AM
- ANZGOG Chair’s Community Volunteer Award – Ms Wanda Lawson
- Clinical Trial Achievement Award – Assoc Prof Alison Davis
- Outstanding Clinical Trial Site Award – Te Puriri O Te Ora Research, Auckland City Hospital
Read more about the winners and their contributions.
WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL – CONFERENCE DAY 2
The final day of the conference started with a popular breakfast session hosted by AstraZeneca: ‘Ask Me Anything in Ovarian Cancer Care with Prof Isabelle Ray-Coquard.’
The ‘Quality of Life and Survivorship’ session followed, covering vulva cancer survivorship, cultural perspectives on survivorship, and sexual function. Other presentations included ANZGOG trials, concepts, and Prof Michael Friedlander AM’s ‘How Long Is Long Enough’ survey.
After the ovarian cancer session, the afternoon ended with the ‘Opportunities’ session, discussing lessons from the conference and ways to improve care access, diversity, and inclusion in ANZGOG’s research..
ANZGOG Chair Professor Clare Scott AM closed the meeting by announcing the abstract and poster award winners.
Uniting the brightest minds in gynae oncology
A huge thank you goes out to Dr Michelle Harrison and Dr Bryony Simcock, Chair and Deputy Chair respectively of the ASM 2024 Program Steering Committee and each of the Steering Committee members who gave their time and commitment to organise this dynamic conference program.
The ANZGOG ASM conference serves as a pivotal platform, uniting some of the brightest minds in gynecological oncology to dive into the latest research advancements and exchange invaluable insights. As researchers, clinicians, and health professionals gather, the conference becomes a place where innovation and collaboration flourishes, paving the way for improvements in outcomes for everyone with a lived experience of gyanecological cancer.
Thank you to all ANZGOG members for continuing to advance research and save lives.
#ResearchSavesLives
