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 that 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 unanimously passed by the U.S. House and Senate (109th Congress) in December of 2006, and signed into law by President George W. Bush 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 about CDC’s plans for the Inside Knowledge campaign (PDF 59KB).

Campaign Messages

Campaign messages were developed based on an extensive review of gynecologic cancer educational materials and 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, see a doctor right away.
• Get a Pap test regularly to screen for cervical cancer.
• Get the HPV vaccine, if you 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.

Educational Materials

Inside Knowledge campaign materials include fact sheets on the five most common gynecologic cancers:

• Cervical Cancer (PDF 270KB)
• Ovarian Cancer (PDF 296KB)
• Uterine Cancer (PDF 286KB)
• Vaginal & Vulvar Cancers (PDF 268KB)

Additional educational materials are currently in development.

Support and Resources

Additional resources are available related to gynecologic cancers, including general information, and information about patient support services, provider and non-profit organizations and more.

Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.