I discuss the reality of a BRCA gene mutation diagnosis with Kritsa Costello of BRCA Ireland. Krista shares her incredible, inspiring and courageous story.

I discuss Papilocare, a new over the counter, vaginal gel treatment for HPV with Dr. Damian Dexeus.  Dr. Damian Dexeus, Medical Director of the Women's Gynaecological Clinic in Barcelona is a specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. His interests include the study of premature babies, Human papillomavirus (HPV), gynaecological cancer and breast cancer." This interview was made possible thanks to an educational grant provided by Papilocare.

"Nothing About Me Without Me": Sharon O’Toole is a senior research fellow in Trinity College Dublin working in the area of gynaecological cancer. She sits on the board of ISGO and co-founded a public and patient involvement group (ISGOPPI) within the

society. Public and patient involvement known as PPI is where patients and members of the public get involved in research, working in partnership with healthcare professionals, scientists, allied health to improve the patient experience and to ultimately make an impact on patient outcomes. Patient advocate Bridget explains what motivates her to get involved in PPI projects, how she protects herself psychologically and emotionally whilst advocating for patients. 

Dr. John Coulter, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecological Oncologist and Clinical Lead of The National Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Centre at Cork University Maternity Hospital explains Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, also known as "Molar Pregnancy". Patient advocate, Rachel shares her lived experience of GTD. 

In this episode I speak with Tamsin who discusses the impact of fertility and cancer treatment had and still has on her relationship. I also speak with Dr. Yvonne O'Meara, Systemic Psychotherapist and Psychosocial Oncologist, who gives expert insight in to the psychosexual impact of cancer on relationships. For more information on gynaecological cancer please visit https://thisisgo.ie/

In episode 3 of The ISGO podcast we speak with Dr. Karie Dennehy and Dr. Miriam Colleran, Consultants in Palliative Medicine about the care they give to patients and their family. We then speak with Anne, a patient living with Ovarian Cancer; Anne describes what Palliative Medicine means to her. References from our discussion with Dr. Miriam Colleran: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33547717/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.5648

In episode 3 of The ISGO podcast we speak with Dr. Karie Dennehy and Dr. Miriam Colleran, Consultants in Palliative Medicine about the care they give to patients and their family. We then speak with Anne, a patient living with Ovarian Cancer; Anne describes what Palliative Medicine means to her. References from our discussion with Dr. Miriam Colleran: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33547717/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.5648

In episode 2 of the ISGO podcast, we speak with Dr. Dearbhaile Collins, Consultant Medical Oncologist, who explains medications known as PARP inhibitors, how they work and who they're suitable for. We then speak with Jenny, a patient living with Ovarian Cancer, and who takes a PARP inhibitor medication.

Genetic screening is recommended when a specific cancer appears to run in a family. BRCA and Lynch syndrome are two conditions, that when inherited, predispose someone to developing a number of different cancers. 

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are tumour suppressor genes. When they function normally they stop cells in the breast, ovary and other tissues from dividing too rapidly and also repair errors that happen when cells do divide. Mutations in these genes result in a higher risk of developing cancer of ovary and breast. 

Lynch syndrome predisposes to a number of cancers - most commonly colon, uterine and ovarian cancer. Lynch syndrome arises due to errors in a process called mismatch repair. Mismatch repair is a process of DNA repair that typically involves four different genes.

Shalini Wiseman is back with her top tips for childbirth and how to reduce risk of pelvic floor injury, episiotomy and instrumental delivery. A must listen for all pregnant women, their partners and anyone on their TTC journey