Ovarian Cancer Australia

On this special day, Australia marks its first Cancer Nurses Day, a moment to reflect on the incredible dedication and compassion of cancer nurses who are not only adapting to the evolving landscape of cancer care but also actively shaping a brighter future for the profession. Meet Di, one of our incredible Teal Support Nurses! “Every day, I have the privilege of meeting incredible people who are going through one of the most difficult periods in their lives,” she shared. “With every woman I have supported over the span of 30 years, I am reminded of the courage it takes to face life’s uncertainties and the importance of human connection.” Through the Teal Support Program, Di and our Support Team continue to play a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care, especially for those who are unable to visit their treating medical team. Representing Ovarian Cancer Australia, our nurses have lent their voices in various policy reviews and submissions over the past years to advocate for reduced variation in care and improved access to novel therapies. Cancer Nurses Day is more than just a date on the calendar. We need to recognise and celebrate the incredible work being done by the 7,500 cancer nurses nationwide and champion their remarkable contributions to improving patient outcomes in Australia. Thank you to all the cancer nurses for your resilience, compassion, and dedication!

We are absolutely delighted by the incredible support shown by our Principal Partner TerryWhite Chemmart, who continue to grow their critical support of our organisation, having just announced their end of financial year funds raised as a hugely impactful $434,000! For almost 20 years, TerryWhite Chemmart has continuously demonstrated unwavering dedication to those impacted by ovarian cancer. On behalf of our community, we are deeply grateful to our longstanding partner. Your commitment to this cause inspires us and brings hope to countless women and their loved ones.

We are very excited to announce that for the first time the National Rugby League’s Harvey Norman Women In League Round will include a charity initiative as the NRL and Harvey Norman team up to tackle ovarian cancer. At selected matches across the Round, Harvey Norman and the Rugby League Community will donate $1000 for every goal kicked to support Ovarian Cancer Australia. Throughout the week, matches, broadcast and social media will feature interviews highlighting the stories of those affected by ovarian cancer, including Cath and OCA ambassadors Bianca Munster and Dennis Scott. Cath (pictured in teal), a 64-year-old Registered Nurse from Sydney shared, "I am not a person that is vocal about things, but I just get so upset as I feel so much more could be done to help the cause that is Ovarian Cancer.” A proud Parramatta Eels supporter, Cath wrote a heartfelt letter to NRL Chairman Peter V'landys after another recurrence scare in December last year. Her letter sparked this initiative between the NRL and Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA). Cath’s experience with ovarian cancer began in early 2019 with severe abdominal pain, leading to a diagnosis of stage 3 high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Cath discovered Ovarian Cancer Australia’s support services after her recurrence at the end of 2021. She reached out to the OCA Helpline and was connected with her own Teal Support Nurse. Also sharing her story as part of this campaign is Bianca Munster, wife of Melbourne Storm player Cameron Munster, whose mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 53 and sadly passed when she was just 54. Dennis Scott will also lend his voice in support as a former NRL player and co-host of Foxtel’s Selling Houses Australia who lost his mother to the disease in 2018. Reflecting on this significant announcement, Bridget Bradhurst, Chief of Advocacy & Support Services at Ovarian Cancer Australia, said, “This initiative with the NRL across the Women In League Round, provides a powerful platform to amplify our message of support for women affected by ovarian cancer and ensure more Australians become aware of this disease and the need for greater action. Like the NRLW, we recognise that it’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, while also acknowledging that we’re far from done.” To see our ambassadors interviewed live from the game, hear more about their stories and how you can support, tune in to the NRL Storm vs Dragons 3rd August 5.30pm and Sharks vs Rabbitohs 3rd August 7:35pm. Tune in to matches throughout the weekend to see the NRL use its platform to get vocal for ovarian cancer. To learn more or make a donation to the campaign, head here: https://t.ly/KfEuX

With gratitude, Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is thrilled to announce $386,000 in extended government funding for TRACKFORWARD, a partnership with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. This funding will drive our research into treatment resistance in ovarian cancer, focusing on genetic changes in tumours. By understanding these changes, we aim to provide better treatment options and improve outcomes for our community. This funding follows our advocacy during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, including a significant event, the Parliamentary Breakfast, where Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney highlighted the importance of initiatives like TRACKFORWARD. For our community, this funding brings renewed hope and reassurance that progress is being made in the fight against ovarian cancer. It demonstrates the commitment of the sector to support those affected by the disease and work towards better outcomes through research and collaboration. Learn more about this initiative and our advocacy efforts here: https://lnkd.in/g7UGzxSF

What a spectacular event! Last month, a number of our support team attended Cancer Nurses Society of Australia’s (CNSA) 26th annual conference. This three-day event sparked important dialogues and shared learnings from peers and leaders on educational innovations, advancements in cancer nursing and treatment, and the integration of digital health technologies. The networking opportunity was filled with insights and showcased a shared commitment to excellence in cancer care. Natalie Williams, our Clinical Trial Project Manager, and Lauren Williams, our Psychosocial Supports Manager, represented Ovarian Cancer Australia brilliantly - Natalie shared her insights on access to optimal ovarian cancer nursing care, clinical trials awareness and participation whilst Lauren presented on the experiences of a telehealth psychosocial model for those affected by ovarian cancer. Thank you to Cancer Nurses Society Of Australia (CNSA) for another insightful congress and for providing the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Our very own Hayley Russell, Senior Research Manager has kicked off Dry July with a bang, already raising close to $1,000 in support of Ovarian Cancer Australia! We’re calling on our network to rally behind Hayley and further support her fundraising efforts. This year, funds raised will directly support our counselling and psychology team, supporting women to access a suite of free specialist clinics and evidence-based programs targeting sexuality, grief and bereavement, fear of cancer recurrence, and sleep and fatigue. Hayley shares, “Working with people impacted by ovarian cancer for over 8 years in support, counselling and research roles has been an immense privilege. We have learnt so much through our commitment to psychosocial research about the profound physical, emotional, mental and social impacts of an ovarian cancer diagnosis. I know that compassionate, knowledgeable, reliable support is what makes all the difference which is why I'm committed to Dry July and raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia's high quality support services.” Every dollar makes a difference. Donate towards Hayley’s fundraiser here: https://lnkd.in/g94vFxTq

We’re thrilled to share that the manuscript "Self-reported awareness of genetic testing, family history impact, and clinical trial access for ovarian cancer patients in Australia" has been accepted in Gynecologic Oncology Reports! Access the publication: https://lnkd.in/gSC9Y97x This study, conducted by Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) and Healthcare Management Advisors Pty Ltd (HMA), aimed to assess genetic testing understanding among people with ovarian cancers from 2015 to 2022. Findings highlight improved awareness of familial risks but gaps in genetic testing and targeted therapies knowledge persist. Clinical trial access has improved outside metropolitan areas, yet further efforts are needed to enhance awareness and access. Thanks to HMA and the authors: Dr Deborah Roczo, Dr Vanessa Alford, A/Prof Alison Trainer, Prof Anna DeFazio, Amy Pearn, Caitlin Delaney, Megan Cotter, and Sue Hegarty, for their contributions.

What an event! A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in Datacom’s annual Trivia Night held last week, which raised over $25,000 for Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA)! The funds raised will help us continue providing personalised, specialist and holistic care for those impacted by ovarian cancer, in addition to supporting our advocacy efforts in securing large-scale funding and ensuring access to optimal care. The sold-out event drew an impressive crowd of over 190 attendees who participated in live auctions, silent auctions, and, of course, some thrilling trivia! We extend our sincere gratitude to all sponsors and local businesses who generously contributed. All donations and fundraising efforts from the community are invaluable to the vital services we provide to those affected by ovarian cancer.

Yesterday, our Chief of Support and Advocacy, Bridget Bradhurst, had the privilege of attending an event at the National Press Club hosted by Rare Cancers Australia. On National Rare Cancer Day, Professor David Thomas from Omico, a distinguished leader in oncology renowned for his groundbreaking work in genomic cancer medicine, addressed the National Press Club of Australia on "Cancer: the Modern Plague”. He delivered an inspiring presentation highlighting the critical importance of genomics and precision oncology in transforming cancer care. Pictured with Bridget and David is Sue Hegarty, Head of Program Development and Advocacy at Pancare Foundation, who has been a beloved member of our team for many years and a tireless cancer advocate. Ovarian Cancer Australia is committed to ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders to revolutionise outcomes for those living with rare and less common cancers, including ovarian cancer.

This Rare Cancers Awareness Day, we acknowledge Australians affected by rare and less common cancers, including ovarian cancer. Rare, less common cancers are commonly diagnosed at a more advanced stage with the accompanying challenges of limited support, education and treatment options due to lower levels of awareness, expertise, and investment in research. A person's cancer is as unique as their fingerprint, and a focus of Ovarian Cancer Australia's advocacy is ensuring investment into personalised medicine and increased access to targeted treatments, leading to improved survival and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer. On Rare Cancers Awareness Day, we want our community to know that OCA remains dedicated to leading change for improved outcomes for all Australians diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to implement recommendations from the recent Senate Inquiry into Rare and Less Common Cancers, to change the narrative for these underrepresented cancers. Ovarian Cancer Australia remains committed to ensuring no-one with ovarian cancer walks alone, and we continue to provide free access for all Australians to holistic evidence-based support services such as our Teal Support Program, Helpline and support groups. Rare Cancers Australia