The best thing we can do to save lives today is prevent ovarian cancer diagnoses.
While we prevent diagnoses, we’re continuing to invest in research to detect ovarian cancer early, treat patients better and ultimately eradicate ovarian cancer.
How can we prevent an ovarian cancer diagnosis?
There is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer (no, a PAP test does not screen for the disease). The best way we can save lives today is to identify people with an inherited genetic mutation and prevent ovarian cancer from developing.
- Step 1: Identify people with a family history of certain cancers, especially ovarian, breast, prostate, pancreatic, endometrial, and colorectal. These people may be at high risk of ovarian cancer due to an inherited genetic mutation.
- Step 2: Confirm if they are at high risk for ovarian cancer with genetic testing to see if they have an inherited genetic mutation.
- Step 3: Pursue risk-reducing activities (like risk-reducing surgery and appropriate follow-up care) in people with a genetic mutation
Understand your risk
Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare cancer.
There is no effective screening test, no reliable diagnostic test, and no early “red-flag” symptoms.
Due to these challenges, it may be difficult to have an effective conversation with your family doctor (or other primary healthcare provider such as a nurse practitioner) about ovarian cancer.
We have developed an interactive tool designed to help you have an effective conversation with your family doctor about your ovarian cancer risk.
Investing in research
At Ovarian Cancer Canada, we’re investing in research studies that can help us diagnose patients earlier and treat patients more effectively.
Testing a Novel Treatment Target in Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer
Led by Dr. David Huntsman at BC Cancer, this study investigates the role an enzyme (cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH)) plays in the progression of clear cell ovarian cancer and if this enzyme could improve patient outcomes by preventing the spread of cancer cells from the first place they form.
The CHARM 2 Study
Through our collaboration with the University Health Network this potentially groundbreaking clinical trial is investigating whether whole genome sequencing of cell-free DNA can detect high-fatality cancers (including ovarian cancer) at the same time, or before, conventional annual medical exams in 1000 individuals at high genetic risk for cancer. This study will also include a comprehensive evaluation of the patient experience.
Upcoming Investment in Early Detection Research
With the funding competition opening in September, we’ll soon be investing in two research projects focused on finding innovative approaches to early detection of ovarian cancer. More information about the recipients will be shared publicly once determined.
Providing care
23% of women living with ovarian cancer, particularly those with the most common form of the disease, have a genetic mutation that put them at high risk for the disease – this is our biggest opportunity to save lives today. With genetic testing, Canadians who are confirmed to be high risk for ovarian cancer have several preventative options available to them.
We’re currently investing in the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Program, a British Columbia-based clinic providing women with specialized ovarian cancer care and advice. “We currently provide care to people who may have had gynecologic cancer or those who have a genetic mutation causing increased ovarian cancer risk,” says Dr. Dawson, co-founder of the clinic. “These patients have complex needs; their care requires knowledge about genetics, oncology, surgery, survivorship, hormones, mental and sexual health. Family doctors may not have the time, tools or training to support an ovarian cancer patient. We’re meeting that need: we support patients with their decision-making, their cancer prevention strategy and if they decide to have risk-reducing surgery, we support them with their menopause management.”
Who should understand their risk of ovarian cancer?
Everyone born with ovaries is at some risk of ovarian cancer and should understand their risk of developing the disease.
Those with an inherited genetic mutation have a higher risk of developing the disease, but ovarian cancer research has not been funded enough for us to have a full understanding of all the risk factors.
Risk-reducing surgery to prevent ovarian cancer is an invasive treatment that could impact the reproductive decisions a person makes. To ensure every person can make the best healthcare and life choices for themselves, it’s important that Canadians as young as 25 years old understand their risk of ovarian cancer. .
Take Action
The Ovarian Cancer Prevention Task force has developed two resources on ovarian cancer prevention for order, free of charge.
- If you are a health care provider: a one page handout on how you can prevent ovarian cancer
- If you are a community member: a waiting room poster for primary care clinics to educate patients on ovarian cancer prevention.
Videos
Video
Genetics, prevention, and you
Join us for all things genetics and ovarian cancer.
Video
How to have effective conversations with your healthcare team
Tips and Tricks
Video
Early Cancer Detection using Cell-Free DNA Sequencing
A deep dive into the hereditary factors that can lead to ovarian cancer.
Fund prevention
While we prevent diagnoses, we’re continuing to invest in research to detect ovarian cancer early, treat patients better and ultimately eradicate ovarian cancer.