A new international survey shows that Canadian women with ovarian cancer rate our government 4.6 out of 10 on efforts to address ovarian cancer. Current records show that research into this disease has been underfunded for years. With these shortfalls stalling scientific progress, survival rates have not improved in five decades.
This September, you can affect meaningful changes that help save lives. Seize the day – every day – to spark conversations about ovarian cancer by telling your friends, family members and even perfect strangers what they can do to help women living with this disease.
Backed by thousands of letters from concerned Canadians, three teams of delegates took to Parliament Hill earlier this month. Each was comprised of a researcher, a woman living with ovarian cancer, and a member of the Ovarian Cancer Canada team.
Nearly 230,000 women around the world are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. According to figures recently released by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, this number is expected to rise by 55 per cent by the year 2035. The projected increase is largely attributed to the aging population, as those 50 and older are at higher risk for developing ovarian cancer.
Advocates pressing for increased government investments in ovarian cancer research are searching for answers following the announcement of Budget 2018. While the Standing Committee on Finance recommended ovarian cancer for funding consideration, nothing was specifically earmarked to support scientific progress in this area.
Last year members of the community continued to step up advocacy efforts to draw attention to the need for ovarian cancer research funding. Many people met with their elected officials and wrote letters to urge support. But the call for $10 million in added investment from the federal government has yet to be answered.
On World Ovarian Cancer Day this Tuesday, May 8, help the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and Ovarian Cancer Canada by using your voice to raise awareness that will help save women’s lives. With weeks to chart your plan of action, it’s time to mobilize your community in support of ovarian cancer research so that women with ovarian cancer can live better and longer lives.
Studies show that women with ovarian cancer live longer when they receive care from a gynecologic oncologist, a healthcare professional focused on treating ovarian and other gynecological cancers. When surgery for ovarian cancer is performed by a gynecologic oncologist, a woman is more likely to undergo comprehensive procedures and receive the best available treatment. She will also benefit from her gynecologic oncologist’s knowledge on other issues related to ovarian cancer, such as its impact on reproductive and sexual health.