Ovarian Cancer Australia Limited

Overview Ovarian Cancer Australia Limited is a national, independent non-profit organisation in Australia dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by ovarian cancer[2][3]. Established initially as Ovarian Cancer Victoria (OvCA) in 2001 by Simon Lee and others influenced by his late wife Sheila Lee's advocacy, it has become the leading national body taking action for Australians impacted by ovarian cancer, officially becoming Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2008[3].

Founding and Purpose

Sheila Lee, diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in 1999, was moved to raise awareness of the disease's low survival rates and the need for a dedicated charity, prompting her to initiate what would become Ovarian Cancer Australia. Following her passing in 2000, her husband Simon Lee continued her mission, forming the charity with the help of Denise Hynes, comedian Lynda Gibson, Olympic champion Nicole Livingstone, and her sister Karen Livingstone[3].

Ovarian Cancer Australia's mission is centered around providing holistic support services and advocating for better treatment options and increased research funding[4]. The organisation seeks to ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone and aims to improve outcomes for those affected by the disease.

Programs and Advocacy

The organisation is composed of a team of nurses, psychologists, counsellors, advocates, and fundraisers who deliver free evidence-based support services[3]. Ovarian Cancer Australia has been actively involved in advocacy efforts, particularly in promoting access to homogeneous recombination deficiency (HRD) testing and PARP inhibitors for patients[1].

Recent Developments

Recently, Ovarian Cancer Australia announced the appointment of Debbie Shiell as its CEO, signaling a new era for the organisation[1]. Furthermore, the organisation has received additional funding for the TRACKFORWARD project, a collaborative effort with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre[1]. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended subsidized access to PARP inhibitors for an expanded group of patients, marking a significant milestone for Ovarian Cancer Australia's advocacy efforts[1].

Ovarian Cancer in Australia

Ovarian cancer is a significant health issue in Australia, being the tenth most common cancer among women and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths[5]. It often presents at advanced stages, which significantly complicates treatment and survival rates[5]. Ovarian Cancer Australia's work is crucial in advocating for early detection methods and improved treatment options to address these challenges.

[1] https://www.ovariancancer.net.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f72da517-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [3] https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/who-we-are [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/f72da517-39af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d/documents/aead1f7c-4564-eb11-b0b0-000d3ad1cd99 [5] https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/publications-and-resources/position-statements/testing-ovarian-cancer-asymptomatic-women/background