Tuesday, 21 February 2023

 Steve McGHIE (Melton) (13:18): February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it is a great opportunity to promote the critical need for increased investment in research to improve overall survival. In 2022 over 1800 Australian women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and during that same period over 1000 women lost their lives. Ovarian cancer has a poor 49 per cent survival rate to five years. There is no early detection method, screening or vaccine for ovarian cancer. It is the deadliest of all cancers affecting women. Ovarian cancer is not one disease; instead it has five distinct molecular subtypes, adding to the complexity. Women’s individual gene expressions can provide a blueprint for targeted treatments, and screening a woman’s tumour can provide valuable insight into the best individual treatment. Research into new clinical trials to improve survival is the greatest need that women with ovarian cancer have right now. The ANZGOG – Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group – WomenCan program raises funds for pioneering gynaecological cancer research. During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month WomenCan runs a Team Teal campaign to raise funds. This Saturday night in Melton at Tabcorp Park there is a fundraiser.