Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) Survey
Have you heard of GSM?
Rethink is the patient partner on a national study led by Nova Scotia Health hoping to find out if people diagnosed with breast cancer are aware of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).
We also want to know if people diagnosed with breast cancer are happy with the education they get from healthcare providers about GSM.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, please complete the research survey via the link below.
Have questions about the study? We have answers!
What is GSM?
GSM is a newer term that describes different signs and symptoms that can happen at menopause. These can also happen as a result of some cancer treatments. These changes affect your vulva, vagina, bladder and sexual health. People can experience different symptoms such as:
- Vaginal dryness/burning/irritation
- Urge to go pee
- Pain with peeing
- Pain or bleeding during sex
- Frequent urinary tract infections
These symptoms are separate from other menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.
Where can I learn more about GSM?
Click below for an information sheet about GSM.
What is the purpose of this study?
There are two main goals of this study:
- We hope to evaluate breast cancer patient knowledge of GSM
- We hope to evaluate the level of satisfaction with the type and amount of education they receive about GSM in their healthcare visits.
This study is led by a research team at Nova Scotia Health and Rethink Breast Cancer is a patient partner on the study.
The goal is to provide the best information to people diagnosed with breast cancer so they are comfortable talking to their healthcare providers about GSM symptoms. This will lead to earlier intervention if someone is experiencing GSM symptoms and improved quality of life.
Where can I access more information about the study?
Click below to read an introductory letter about the study.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to speak a member of the study team, you can call Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the IWK at 902-470-6464.
Please note
All information obtained will be entirely confidential. We have obtained Research Ethics Approval from the Nova Scotia Health Authority and they may review our study to ensure all information is collected in the appropriate manner. This information will not be shared with anyone outside of our study team. You will not be named in any data analysis, reports, publications or presentations that may come from this study.