GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) announced the results of a GSK-sponsored multinational survey designed to raise awareness of challenges that people with gynaecologic cancers may experience. The survey, which was conducted by The Harris Poll and included responses from 818 participants from 10 countries who have been affected by endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, and/or vulvar cancers, found that 73% of patients did not feel empowered to overcome their cancers, and 78% of patients experienced challenges in accessing the treatment they need. The survey also identified opportunities for more comprehensive patient support, such as greater understanding of biomarker testing to inform treatment and emotional health resources.

This survey supports the launch of Your Cancer Is Our Challenge, GSK’s multi-year, integrated initiative that aims to uncover and address gaps and barriers faced by patients with gynaecologic cancers and create solutions to drive progress—beyond treatment. These results represent the first stage of the programme; the second stage will announce specific actions informed by these findings to help better assist patients throughout their cancer journey.

Nina Mojas, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Product Strategy, GSK, said: “At GSK, we continue to develop new therapies for patients with gynaecologic cancers, yet we know there are also significant needs that treatment alone won’t address. The Your Cancer Is Our Challenge programme is using real-world insights to show gaps and barriers in care, knowledge and support that will inspire future solutions that aim to address those challenges and improve patients’ lives.”

Jennifer Garam, ovarian cancer survivor, said: “Being diagnosed with a gynaecologic cancer, such as ovarian cancer, impacts every aspect of your life. Beyond medical treatment, patients with gynaecologic cancers have many other needs that also have to be addressed, such as access to information, resources and the right psychosocial support. GSK’s Your Cancer Is Our Challenge is an important step forward in identifying these key challenges and barriers—so they can be addressed and overcome.”

Survey findings revealed unmet needs and barriers in patient care, offering actionable insights to improve the patient experience, based on the following overarching themes:

• Gaps in knowledge related to treatment:
  • Most respondents (89%) wanted to know more about what types of test options (e.g., biomarker testing, tumour genetic testing, genomic profile testing, etc.) are available to inform their treatment.
• Emotional burden of treatment and care:
  • While 91% of patients who received treatment felt they are receiving the best treatment possible for their gynaecologic cancer, 73% of all patients surveyed did not feel empowered to overcome their diagnosis.
• Barriers to care:
  • 78% of patients reported challenges in accessing the treatment they need, with appointment availability (36%) being a top barrier. Common reasons for challenges in attending appointments were: the need to manage day-to-day responsibilities (25%), difficulty managing the required paperwork (24%), or not feeling well enough to leave the house (23%).
• Low utilisation of patient support groups:
  • Participation in support groups was low, with only 25% of respondents citing they participated in a support group, while even fewer (14%) stated that they had found a cancer support group that had been helpful in navigating their experience.

Mary Eiken, Chief Executive Officer, International Gynecologic Cancer Society, said: “These findings highlight the pressing need for better access to comprehensive care and clear information for patients with gynaecologic cancers, as many face barriers beyond treatment—such as understanding their options, accessing meaningful support networks and managing the daily realities of their diagnosis. GSK’s Your Cancer Is Our Challenge initiative is an important programme working to address these barriers and improve support available to patients with gynaecologic cancers worldwide.”