The EnDomEtrial caNcer Research Initiative – EDEN – is a collaborative research program established by ANZGOG, to address the significant unmet needs of endometrial cancer patients in Australia and New Zealand.
In the absence of a national endometrial cancer body, ANZGOG hopes to stimulate collaborative activity to flatten the endometrial cancer curve and to improve treatment of endometrial cancer patients supported by new research.
Endometrial cancer cases have doubled in Australia and nearly tripled in New Zealand over the past 20 years.
Origins of EDEN
The endometrial cancer crisis and the need for the EDEN Initiative
Uterine cancer, and specifically endometrial cancer, which arises from the inner lining (the endometrium) of the uterus is the most common gynaecological cancer. It is becoming increasingly prevalent both here and internationally. In the last ten years, Australia and New Zealand have seen a 40-44% increase in diagnoses. [*AIHW, Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ)]
While survival can be high when diagnosed early, issues such as higher body weight, later diagnosis, fertility preservation for younger women, and dramatic increase in numbers are impacting outcomes, and creating a need to invest more heavily in areas such as prevention and risk assessment.
The EDEN Research Initiative is ANZGOG’s response to the alarming rise in the number of endometrial cancer cases. The EDEN Initiative has the potential to improve the lives of endometrial cancer patients and their families significantly.
"A highly successful, first ever, endometrial cancer consensus conference was held in Korea in Nov of 2023. It brought experts from 31 international trials groups from all corners of the world to discuss the future direction of endometrial cancer research. For the first time, patient advocates were an integral part of both the discussions , and the final outcome statements. Patient advocates are important to help shape the direction of trials. The trials that patients want are the ones that will be most successful, and the most impactful. That is why the EDEN initiative is so important. We have integrated patient input into every trial idea we develop, from scoping studies of consumer knowledge to prevention trials (predictor) to treatment trials. Along the way, patient advocacy as EDEN initiative has filled a gaping hole in the landscape of endometrial cancer in Australia. Professor Alison Brand AM, Deputy Chair EDEN Initiative.”
Professor Alison Brand AM – Deputy Chair, EDEN
EDEN – Areas of focus
EDEN will drive a program of collaborative research across priority areas for intervention, including prevention, risk assessment, early diagnosis, surgical innovations, adjuvant and recurrent treatments, survivorship, translational research, and advocacy and funding. Each of these focus areas has been identified for its importance in improving the overall care and outcomes for endometrial cancer patients. These areas of focus are being developed in ongoing consultation with ANZGOG members.
The EDEN Steering Committee will strategically direct the research opportunities, and work closely with ANZGOG’s Uterine Tumour Working Group. Together, EDEN and the UTWG will assist investigators to develop their studies, engage ANZGOG members, public, philanthropic and pharma funders, as well as local and global collaborators to achieve the Initiative’s goals.
"It’s very under-recognised. Many don’t even know that endometrial cancer exists, even though it is the most common gynaecological cancer. They’ve heard of cervix cancer and know about screening for cervix cancer. And they’ve heard of ovarian cancer…but very few people have even heard of endometrial cancer. They are certainly unaware of the risk factors.”
ANZGOG has a history of engaging in collaborations to deliver awareness, education, problem-solving, and research. The EDEN Initiative will only be delivered by addressing the key areas through collaborations with the government, both state and federal, the pharmaceutical industry, philanthropy, and people with a lived experience providing advocacy.
More than 60 ANZGOG clinical and scientific members are volunteering their time to help drive the Focus Group areas of the Initiative forward.
The EDEN Initiative continues to seek private and public donations.
For research related enquiries, please contact: John Andrews, Manager Research Programs and Pipeline:
Or for Philanthropic funding enquiries, please contact: Karen Livingstone AM, Development Manager:
