Ovarian cancer incidence set to rise

Ovarian cancer incidence globally is estimated to climb by nearly 55 per cent in the next two decades, according to figures today from the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition ahead of World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th.

In the UK, ovarian cancer incidence rates are projected to rise 15 per cent in the same time period

The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, a group of patient organisations, is leading efforts worldwide to reduce the impact ovarian cancer has on the lives of women and their loved ones. Their upcoming 2018 Every Woman Study is the most comprehensive study to date of the global impact of ovarian cancer.

The global burden of the disease will rise unless urgent action is taken – ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all female cancers. Global five-year survival rates range between 30 and 50 per cent of women, and in most countries have been slow to rise. By comparison, in many countries, over 80% of women with breast cancer will survive for five years or more.

The Every Woman Study includes a review of global ovarian cancer statistics, interviews with women and clinicians in a range of countries, and a survey of women with ovarian cancer. To date over 1,000 women in 39 countries have taken part. The Study is being guided by an international Expert Panel of ovarian cancer clinicians and patients.

Annwen Jones, Chief Executive of UK charity Target Ovarian Cancer, Vice-Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and Co-Chair of the Every Woman Study, says: “The projected rise in incidence of ovarian cancer is especially concerning because we still lack the means to diagnose it early and treat it effectively. This is a global problem that requires a global solution, and the Every Woman Study is the first step. The more we know, the more we can transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of women, so that they are diagnosed earlier and can spend a lifetime with their loved ones.”

Frances Reid, The Every Woman Study Research Director says, “The ovarian cancer patients and clinicians that we have spoken to, and surveyed, as part of the Every Woman Study have highlighted consistent global challenges relating to lack of awareness about the disease, access to specialist treatment and support for patients. Our objective with the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Every Woman Study is to provide the body of evidence needed to identify and address these challenges head-on.”

Elisabeth Baugh, Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition says, “This Study tells us that unfortunately ovarian cancer continues to lag far behind the many other cancers that have made good progress in recent years, like breast cancer. The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition works with over 130 ovarian cancer patient advocacy partners from around the world to change this. Each year on May 8th we celebrate World Ovarian Cancer Day to help raise awareness of the disease and the need for change.”