The plan, which has been developed in consultation with ovarian cancer researchers and women living with the disease, provides a roadmap for research priorities across a number of areas.
About 1000 women die from ovarian cancer each year in Australia and only 43 out of every 100 women diagnosed are still alive five years after diagnosis.
Although the ovarian cancer survival rate has improved marginally, others such as breast, bowel and prostate have improved significantly due to major breakthroughs in detection, treatment and prevention.
Alison Amos, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, said this is the first time a national plan has been developed and provides a priority driven focus for investment, unifying efforts and providing a blueprint for researchers and funders from around Australia.
“There has been no significant change in the treatment options for women with ovarian cancer for decades and this is just not good enough,” she said.
“The latest research highlighted in the plan shows that ovarian cancer is not just one disease but a range of diseases. However, this new knowledge has not yet translated into new treatments or improved outcomes.
“With a new understanding of the disease and the adoption of targeted therapies in many other cancers the time is right to step up strategic and targeted efforts for ovarian cancer, giving those living with the disease greater hope for the future.
“We want this plan to be the first step in changing the ovarian cancer story and we have some of the best researchers in the world in Australia. But, like everywhere, we have a limited amount of funding.
“To this end, more research is needed to understand how ovarian cancer initiates, why it develops rapidly in some and not others, and how we can circumvent resistance to treatment. We need better therapies, better models of care, and better quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.”
The plan is aimed at providing a strategic framework for transparent and accountable investment in ovarian cancer research to ensure available funds are used to optimal effect and drive much needed investment. This will include how to fast track recent breakthroughs and improve infrastructure.
“This is an ambitious and future-facing plan that takes account of progress to date and opportunities ahead, and builds on the expertise and skills available to us in Australia,” Ms Amos said.
As part of the launch, Ovarian Cancer Australia also announced $1 million in funding which will be directed towards priority areas as identified in the national action plan.
