Ovarian Cancer Action

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About us

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead, used by President of the International Gynaecological Cancer Society about us in October 2004
Helene was very ill indeed. I was travelling abroad on business, and asked her doctors in London if they minded me seeking opinions from clinicians in the U.S. I realised there was only one chance to get the treatment right. What struck me was how little people knew of others' work, even though they were leaders in the field. I knew that had to change. John Harris CBE

Background to Ovarian Cancer Action

Why should we be able to make a difference?

These words were said almost 20 years ago, and led to the formation of the Helene Harris Memorial Trust (HHMT, our original name), bringing together leading researchers and clinicians from around the world every two years to debate, prioritise and forge collaborations in the field of ovarian cancer. The HHMT meetings have become regarded as preeminent in their field because

  • They are unique in their high quality focus on ovarian cancer

  • World leading clinicians and researchers have to compete for a place

  • High levels of interaction and debate between different disciplines at the meeting have resulted in key collaborations around the world, leading on to major trials.

  • They examine issues that the research community face, such as sharing of data, protocols, priorities, and translating science to from the lab to the patients in the ward.

However, despite this work, in the UK we have still to see progress in terms of survival, and a recognition of ovarian cancer as a vital cause. This has been the motivation of Allyson Kaye, Helene's daughter in taking the HHMT charity forward as Ovarian Cancer Action.

Rather than being just a Harris family initiative, this is now very much about placing ovarian cancer on the nation's agenda: funding the highest level of ovarian cancer research; working to develop new ways of sharing and collaborating on research projects; giving women and their doctors important positive healthcare messages. It is also about enabling women with the disease, and their families to express and share their thoughts, to be heard and to have hope.

Our background as HHMT, puts us in an extraordinary position to be able to carry out our new work as we have

  • A first class reputation amongst the international medical profession

  • A clear and continuing overview of ovarian cancer research around the globe

  • The opportunity to learn from other countries

  • Independence from funding bodies and national agendas.

Recognition

The International Gynaecological Society awarded HHMT a special honour for its unique contribution towards the understanding of ovarian cancer (2004).

John Harris received an OBE in 1996, and then a CBE in 2005 for his work in this field.

HHMT meetings have been awarded American Medical Association accreditation at the highest level and Continuing Medical Education accredition in the UK.

Ovarian Cancer Action now participates in review work for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), and has been working with the Department of Health on their working party for early presentation of cancers.

The Royal College of GP’s has given its official backing to the messages of Ovarian cancer awareness month, as developed by Ovarian Cancer Action and WellBeing of Women.

© 2010 OCA  |  Charity No. 1109743