New study on ovarian cancer to launch soon

The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is set to launch a new study that will look at the experiences of women with ovarian cancer living in settings that for a number of reasons are not sufficiently understood, usually go under-recognized, and are often medically and otherwise underserved. 

The international network announced the development on Saturday on the occasion of its fifth anniversary.

The Coalition is launching the “Every Woman Study™️: Low- and Middle-Income Edition” study in partnership with the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS).

As many as 30 countries will participate in the year-long study will provide crucial evidence and insights in countries that are projected to bear the greatest burden in terms of incidence and mortality over the next twenty years.

Former CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada Elisabeth Baugh who is stepping down as the Board Chair of the Coalition this December, says: “Although no longer Chair, I will remain an active member of the Board, and am excited to continue the work that we started over 10 years ago with the establishment of World Ovarian Cancer Day.”

“Our invaluable early partnerships led to the formal creation of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition several years later. Starting with 30 partner organizations to now close to 200, we have come so far in such a short space of time. We look forward to the future as we scale up our efforts to ensure that no woman – no matter where she lives – is left behind in the fight against this disease,” she added.

Also Read: Adel becomes first Bangladeshi to join World Ovarian Cancer Coalition board

As a result of a concerted effort to diversify the Board of Directors, part of the Coalition’s future includes the invaluable knowledge and expertise brought to the Board by two recent appointees, Runcie CW Chidebe of Pink Blue in Nigeria, and Rafe Sadnan Adel of Cancerbd.net in Bangladesh. 

Their experience and perspectives are expected to strengthen the Coalition’s commitment to health equity and the global ovarian cancer community, from low- to middle- to high-income countries.  

The Coalition is also planning programs for the 10th World Ovarian Cancer Day. On the heels of the most successful campaign to date – with over 18 million people reached – this 10th iteration will reflect the sea change exhibited by the Coalition and its network over the past two years. 

 On May 8, 2022, the global ovarian cancer community will be called upon to rally together to ensure that no woman is left behind, regardless of cancer type, geography, finances, or situation. 

“While our accomplishments over the past five years have been great, we are especially excited by the possibilities that lay before us,” says Clara MacKay, the incumbent CEO of the Coalition.

 “With a Board of Directors that is stronger than ever, committed strategic partners, like IGCS, and an ever-expanding network of advocates, clinicians, and policy makers, we feel we are truly at the tipping point in our work and that, together, we stand the strongest chance yet of changing the future of this devastating disease,” she said.

Established in 2016, the Coalition is a not-for-profit organization with 145 patient advocacy organization members in 37 countries working to reduce the impact that ovarian cancer has on the lives of women and their loved ones.