MEDIA RELEASE
Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal cancer affecting women, yet it continues to receive a fraction of the attention and investment warranted by its impact1.
Each year, close to 2,000 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer2. Despite being a common cancer, more than half of women will lose their life within five years of diagnosis, with a survival rate well below the national average of just 49 per cent, the same survival outcomes for all cancers in 1975 – over 50 years ago3.
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (February), the Australia and New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), is calling for greater awareness and sustained investment in research to improve outcomes for women with ovarian cancer.
“Ovarian cancer outcomes in Australia remain unacceptably poor,” said Alison Evans, ANZGOG CEO.
“In a country with world-class medical research, women with ovarian cancer should not still be diagnosed late, treated with limited options, and facing outcomes that fall so far below what is possible.”
Why outcomes must change
Despite decades of progress in cancer care, ovarian cancer continues to be defined by barriers that research can overcome with greater investment. As a result, 67 per cent of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when survival rates fall sharply to 29 per cent and treatment becomes more complex⁴.
Key barriers include:
- Treatment options remain limited particularly for the rare or less-common types of ovarian cancer
- There is no early detection test or screening program
- Symptoms are vague, non-specific and frequently missed
- Access to care is often inconsistent and inequitable
Currently ovarian cancer has received less than one per cent of Australian Government medical research funding over the past 15 years4.
“This is not a reflection of scientific capability; it is a reflection of funding priorities. Without adequate investment, promising discoveries cannot move from the laboratory into clinics, and outcomes for women cannot improve.” Alison Evans said.
A diagnosis that changes everything
For Shabnam Gujadhur, ovarian cancer became a reality at just 30 years old, at the very beginning of her medical career while working as an intern in the Emergency Department at Gold Coast University Hospital.
Despite her medical training, the subtle and persistent symptoms she experienced did not immediately point to cancer. Encouraged by a friend, she sought medical advice.
“I remember being told, ‘unfortunately, it’s not good news. In that moment, my future felt uncertain.” Ms Gujadhur said.
The journey to diagnosis was not straightforward. However, through persistence and advocacy, Ms Gujadhur became one of the one in three women whose ovarian cancer was detected early. She is now in remission but continues to live with regular scans, blood tests and the ongoing fear of recurrence.
“Early detection gave me time. But most women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed too late. Without better research, that won’t change. We must do better.” She said.
Since her diagnosis, Ms Gujadhur has become a passionate advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and education, and for increased investment in research to improve outcomes for women.
Why there is hope
Australia has world-leading gynaecological cancer researchers and clinicians, yet decades of under-investment have prevented discoveries from being translated into routine care for women. As a result, outcomes for ovarian cancer remain among the poorest of all cancers, with survival rates largely unchanged for decades.
The Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative provides a clear path forward. Led by ANZGOG, supported by the sector, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver better care, improve quality of life and save the lives of women with ovarian and other gynaecological cancers.
What action can deliver
Through the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative, sustained research investment can deliver:
- Earlier and more accurate diagnosis through improved detection and testing
- Greater access to genomic testing and personalised treatment pathways
- Faster translation of research into clinical care
- More equitable outcomes for women facing the poorest survival rates
- Better outcomes, longer lives, and fewer families left without mothers, partners or daughters
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, ANZGOG | WomenCan is calling on the community to support its Appeal, which funds the critical research underpinning the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative and the system-wide change women urgently need.
“Awareness matters, but it will not change outcomes on its own. Research, delivered through the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative, is how we finally shift survival and give women the future they deserve.” said Alison Evans.
To learn more or donate, visit www.womencan.org.au/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
To download the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative (GCTI), please visit www.anzgog.org.au/GCTI - ENDS -
About us:
About ANZGOG
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer by conducting and promoting clinical trials and multidisciplinary research.
Contact details:
Media Contact:
If you would like to interview an gynaecological cancer expert or someone with a lived experience, please email E: [email protected] or call P: 0416 282 464