More than half of women diagnosed will die — the ovarian cancer reality Australia can’t ignore

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal cancer affecting women, yet it continues to receive a fraction of the attention and investment warranted by its impact.

Each year, close to 2,000 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite being a common cancer, more than half of women will lose their lives 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 ago.

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.”

To learn more or donate, visit www.womencan.org.au/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month

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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.

Media Contact:

Monique Cerreto, ANZGOG Head of Communications & Engagement

E: monique.cerreto@anzgog.org.au P: +61 0416 282 464