Ovarian cancer carries a five-year survival rate of 49 per cent in Australia, while prostate and bowel cancers reach survival rates of 95 and 72 per cent respectively, according to data highlighted by researchers and advocates who state that inadequate funding is the primary barrier to improving patient outcomes. Researchers view the disease as complex rather than insurmountable, pointing to a lack of sustained investment compared to other forms of cancer.
Funding Gaps Limit Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trials and Early Detection Research
The disease currently lacks an early detection test, and patients primarily receive chemotherapy, which is the same form of treatment used 30 years ago. For the 70 per cent of patients diagnosed with late-stage disease, the five-year survival rate drops to 31 per cent. Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation CEO Robin Penty stated that the medical community has not invested enough time, effort, focus, or energy on the problem.
“We haven’t invested enough time, effort, focus or energy on this problem, and you know, when we do, we will see change,” Ms Penty said. She noted that 18 projects on early detection are active worldwide, and described Australia’s medical researchers as ready and collaborative.
Australian Researchers Share Data Across Multinational Networks
Australian research teams share knowledge, tumour samples, and data across multinational networks. Researcher Dr Maree Bilandzic stated that Australia’s success with the cervical cancer vaccine demonstrates that high survival rates are achievable for other gynaecological cancers once the origins of the disease are understood.
“The cervical cancer vaccine has all but eradicated cervical cancer in Australia, we hardly get any, but we just really need to understand first how (ovarian cancer) starts beforehand,” Dr Bilandzic said. She added that Australia has the capacity and capability, but lacks the resources and funding to run necessary clinical trials and testing.
Investigating Onset and Fallopian Tube Origins in Younger Patients
While the average age of an ovarian cancer patient is 66, the development of the disease in younger patients remains unexplained due to a lack of available data. Over the past decade, research has shown that a high proportion of ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tube, a finding that alters how scientists view the disease and could guide future research.
“In the past 10 years, we’ve learned that a high proportion of ovarian cancers start in the fallopian tube, but these are the new discoveries that could be gamechangers for future research,” Ms Penty said. She described the research effort as a marathon requiring long-term commitment to prevent future generations from facing the same diagnostic challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovarian Cancer Research
What is the current five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer in Australia?
The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 49 per cent overall, dropping to 31 per cent for the 70 per cent of patients diagnosed at a late stage.
How do ovarian cancer survival rates compare to other Australian cancers?
While ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of 49 per cent, prostate cancer and bowel cancer reach survival rates of 95 per cent and 72 per cent respectively.
Where do a high proportion of ovarian cancers originate?
Recent research over the past decade has shown that a high proportion of ovarian cancers start in the fallopian tube.