At Ovarian Cancer Canada, we reject the notion that ovarian cancer can’t be eradicated.
We are here to demand action, deliver change, and transform lives. We stand hand-in-hand with the people experiencing, affected by, or at risk of the disease. We will not rest until women are able to live their lives freely, fully, and uninhibited by ovarian cancer.
We are filling a gap, we need to be here – for those living with ovarian cancer today, and the 3,000 Canadians who will be diagnosed this year. Ovarian cancer has many different faces, and we are here for every one.
We are building research capacity, unlocking insights into rarer forms of the disease, addressing urgent needs, and bringing hope to people across the country. We are driving ovarian cancer research in Canada faster than ever – changing the landscape of available treatment options. After decades without real change, improved outcomes are finally possible.
Strategic Plan 2023-2029
Discover our Mission, Vision, Values, Manifesto, and how we will achieve Our Aspiration to be the ovarian cancer research engine that sustainably drives health outcomes, influences system changes and improves the quality of life for women with ovarian cancer and those at high risk of the disease.
Since being established in 1998, we’ve come a long way, and we are not stopping now. Learn more about Ovarian Cancer Canada’s story.
2002
In 2002, the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Canada was renamed Ovarian Cancer Canada. The Ovarian Cancer Canada team developed a range of unique information resources. Including a generous bequest to Ovarian Cancer Canada for funding research programs.
The Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, the only walk in Canada dedicated to raising funds for ovarian cancer, was founded by Peggy Truscott, a dedicated volunteer and Teal Sister living with ovarian cancer who succumbed to the disease the following year. Peggy’s legacy lives on in Walks across Canada each September.
Photo: Peggy Truscott being interviewed by media in Toronto about the Walk.
The National Ovarian Cancer Association taking part in the 2003 Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope in Halifax, now an annual event.
2007
A new organization was formed when the National Ovarian Cancer Association joined with Ovarian Cancer Canada to become the only national charity in Canada dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. Adopting the name “Ovarian Cancer Canada” and the sunflower logo from NOCA, the new organization advances and builds on the mission of the founding partners.
2012
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada awarded its Presidential Medal to Ovarian Cancer Canada for exceptional contributions to the field of gynecological oncology. This marked the first time the award was presented to an organization.
2014
Imagine Canada, the national umbrella for Canada’s charities and non-profits, accredited Ovarian Cancer Canada under its Standards Program. At the time, only 109 charities out of over 80,000 nationwide had received accreditation based on demonstrated excellence in board governance, financial accountability and transparency, fundraising, staff management and volunteer involvement.
2016
A national awareness campaign to share the facts on ovarian cancer with Canadians sparked conversations about “Ladyballs” and took the country by storm. The campaign won industry acclaim, garnering prestigious awards including two Cannes Lions and two Cassies.
With the aim of increasing awareness among our country’s politicians, a group of volunteer advocates joined board members and staff from Ovarian Cancer Canada for the organization’s first ever federal lobby day. In doing so, they urged political support of changes that would help turn around statistics, pointing out urgent needs for increased research funding, improved access to treatment, and genetic fairness.
Photo: Ovarian Cancer Canada meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
May 3, 2016 - Ovarian Cancer Canada meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. PHOTO BY DAVE CHAN.
Ladyballs campaign commercial (2016)
2019
After years of hard work and advocacy efforts from the community, Ovarian Cancer Canada welcomed a long-sought $10 million investment from the Federal Government of Canada for ovarian cancer research. Through Ovarian Cancer Canada’s research initiatives, combined with other strategic partnerships in place to prioritize research studies in need of investment, Ovarian Cancer Canada supported a variety of important initiatives focused on prevention, improved treatments, and ultimately a cure.
Photo: Dr. Trevor Sheperd, Translational Oncology Scientist; Julee Pauling, Teal Sister and Community Advocate; Cailey Crawford, Vice President of Programs and Policy, Ovarian Cancer Canada
June 5, 2018 - Ovarian Cancer Canada on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. PHOTO BY DAVE CHAN.
2023
A bold new OCC is here.
Through our brand evolution, we celebrate the strength and unity of our community – our researchers, partners, donors, and the women affected by this disease. We gratefully recognize the steadfast commitment, support, and legacy that has brought us this far and, working in conjunction with patients, researchers, and community members, have co-created a vision that reflects the voice of the community we serve. But our work is far from over. To revolutionize the landscape of ovarian cancer treatment and outcomes, we need a new, unapologetic approach that focuses on action, advocacy, research, and results.
Today
Today, people affected by ovarian cancer know they aren’t alone. We are here to demand action, deliver change, and transform lives. We stand hand-in-hand with the people experiencing, affected by, or at risk of the disease. We will not rest until women are able to live their lives freely, fully, and uninhibited by ovarian cancer.
To support this important work and ensure that we push progress further, fast, please consider making a donation or becoming a community champion.