Ovarian Cancer Australia welcomes over $16 million to fast track research

Ovarian Cancer Australia welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a groundbreaking $16.2 million in funding for ovarian cancer research.

The announcement on World Ovarian Cancer Day supports $16.2 millon to fast track eight ovarian cancer research projects. These projects align all of the areas outlined in the National Action Plan led by Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO Jane Hill welcomed the news on behalf of women living with ovarian cancer and thanked the Government for their investment.

“These eight projects will support research in our key priority areas including an improved understanding of risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment, best practice models for clinical management, and repurposing drugs for ovarian cancer that is treatment-resistant.”

“We welcome this news on behalf of every woman impacted by ovarian cancer. In funding this research, the Government has recognised the desperate need to step in and make a difference to the trajectory of this devastating disease.

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There are 300,000 women living with ovarian cancer around the world. Every year in Australia, more than 1,500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 1,000 will die. Only 46% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive five years post diagnosis. This is well below the average for all cancers in Australia. Approximately 70% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer experience a recurrence.

“Women living with an ovarian cancer diagnosis feel isolated and vulnerable. It can be a lonely disease and now these women are dealing with the higher levels of uncertainty in a world that has dramatically changed.

“Our support nurses are receiving double the calls to our Helpline during this time. The announcement gives women living with ovarian cancer more than hope – that changing the dire outcomes of this disease is indeed a national priority,” she said.

The National Action Plan is owned and authored by the sector, as well as consumers and recognises that all parts of the sector are needed to collaborate to drive change, to improve survival rates and reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer.

The outcomes of this research will help us understand the underlying factors that contribute to the development and progression of ovarian cancer, and how best to manage and treat this devastating disease.

Ovarian cancer survivor, and mother of two boys, Ann-Maree Mulders, also welcomed the news. “When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer I learnt that the odds are so bad so living through it feels like a miracle. It’s just such a devastating disease. 54% of women diagnosed are dead within five years. With those stats ringing in your ears, survival feels like a hopeless ambition.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and the heart of every woman who will hear this dreaded diagnosis today, tomorrow and in the future. Finally there is some hope for us,” she said.

The 2020 National Action Plan is due to be released in June 2020.

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