CDC (U.S.) - Gynecologic Cancers - Inside Knowledge Campaign update Sept 2010

Inside Knowledge Campaign

CDC, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, established the Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign to raise awareness of the five main types of gynecologic cancer: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. (A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer.) When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. It is important for women to pay attention to their bodies and know what is normal for them so they can recognize the warning signs of gynecologic cancers.


Inside Knowledge is an initiative that supports the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act of 2005, or Johanna's Law  [PDF-49KB], which was passed unanimously by the U.S. House and Senate (109th Congress) in December of 2006, and signed into law on January 12, 2007.
The law is named for Johanna Silver Gordon, who died of ovarian cancer in 2000. Johanna's sister, Sheryl Silver, originated the legislation in 2002 and, with the support of numerous nonprofit organizations, helped ensure its passage. The campaign's target audiences include women and health professionals. Learn more about the Inside Knowledge campaign  [PDF-1.61MB].

Campaign Messages

Campaign messages were developed based on formative research using focus groups conducted by CDC in 2009 across the U.S. to learn more about women’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about gynecologic cancers. Additionally, CDC conducted an extensive review of existing gynecologic cancer educational materials and received guidance from a panel of experts including gynecologic oncologists, gynecologists, and other medical practitioners, health and behavioral scientists, and representatives of nonprofit and advocacy organizations committed to raising awareness of gynecologic cancers. The central messages of Inside Knowledge are—

• There are several types of gynecologic cancers.
• When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective.
• Pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. Gynecologic cancers have warning signs.
• If you notice any unexplained signs or symptoms that last for two weeks or longer, see a doctor right away.
• Get a Pap test regularly to screen for cervical cancer.
• Get the HPV vaccine, if you are 11–26 years old.
• If you are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, see a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman's reproductive system.

Campaign Materials

Inside Knowledge campaign materials include English and Spanish fact sheets, a symptoms diary, and a comprehensive brochure on the five most common gynecologic cancers.

• Cervical Cancer  [PDF-1.4MB]
• Ovarian Cancer  [PDF-1.7MB]
• Uterine Cancer  [PDF-2.2MB]
• Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers  [PDF-1.5MB]
• Gynecologic Cancer Comprehensive Brochure  [PDF-3.5MB]
• Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms Diary  [PDF-503KB]

The campaign also has developed print, radio, and television public service announcements.

Support and Resources

Additional resources are available related to the five main gynecologic cancers, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar, including links to general information, patient support services, and research and provider organizations.
Visit Cancer Research for CDC's scientific articles on cancer.