Latest News
Ovarian Cancer Action’s Remember the Symptoms ad has been named the strongest performing newspaper ad in the first quarter of 2010 by the Newspaper Marketing Agency.
This new way of evaluating the impact of ads, recognises the most effective newspaper ads in terms of involvement, not simply recall, and has been made possible by the launch of a new measuring tool, Creative Benchmarking, formed by the NMA and Kantar Media. For the first time, ads have been ranked in terms of motivation and involvement metrics.
Ovarian Cancer Action is hugely appreciative of the support of Emilia Fox, who is featured on the ad, the teams at RKCY/Y&R, who devised the creative, and MPG, who managed the media planning and buying and the Royal College of GPs, which endorsed the campaign.
View the Media Week article on the NMA's top 10 newspaper ads [new window will open]
Prof Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College Hammersmith, comments on a new study that shows positive results for a PARP inhibitor drug, which suggests an ability to shrink advanced ovarian cancer tumours in women carrying the defective BRCA 1 and 2 genes:
“Ovarian Cancer Action is encouraged by the latest research into the PARP inhibitor drug, Olaparib, which suggests an ability to shrink advanced ovarian cancer tumours in women carrying the defective BRCA1 and 2 genes.
This research takes us one step closer to developing personalised treatments for women with ovarian cancer.”
View the article summary in The Lancet [new window will open]
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Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive at Ovarian Cancer Action, commends Dr Willie Hamilton’s team from the University of Bristol for winning the RCGP’s Research Paper of the Year Award:
“Dr Hamilton’s research provided vital evidence that most women with ovarian cancer experience symptoms prior to diagnosis, helping to dispel the myth that ovarian cancer is a ‘silent’ disease.
Dr Hamilton’s work, together with the development of key messages on ovarian cancer by the Department of Health, has played an important part in helping Ovarian Cancer Action and others raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease among women and healthcare professionals.
It is vital that this work continues, so that all GPs are aware of the potential symptoms that could indicate ovarian cancer.”
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Professor Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial Hammersmith, comments on CRUK’s research into ‘shielded’ ovarian cancer cells that may survive chemotherapy to re-grow tumour:
"The findings from this elegant research demonstrate that acquired platinum resistant recurrent disease does not grow from the initial ovarian cancer that patients first experience that then becomes resistant to platinum, rather, platinum resistant ovarian cancer that is acquired emerges from another related ovarian cancer clone in the body that was present from the outset in very low numbers before the patient ever got chemotherapy. This minor clone is not sensitive to platinum from the outset and targeting this minor clone would therefore lead to improved outlook for patients, who would then not be destined to experience relapse at that point.
At Ovarian Cancer Action, we have been working on precisely this problem for several years and we have now identified these "next steps" of targets to reverse acquired platinum resistance. The first of these targets is already in the clinic in the form of an oral tablet inhibitor. We hope to be able to report the results of this clinical trial in due course."
View CRUK’s press release on this research [new window will open]
View the article published in Oncogene [new window will open]
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Ovarian Cancer Action's statement on new research into the benefits of combining Avastin with standard chemotherapy:
”The results of this trial are encouraging and provide the thousands of women diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer each year the hope of spending vital extra time with their families and loved ones.
We await the results of the UK trial later this year with interest.
Despite this advance, ovarian cancer survival rates remain far too low. We need to ensure more women are diagnosed at an earlier stage to improve their chances of survival.”
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Efficacy of a CA125 blood test for ovarian cancer screening
Results from a recent study undertaken at M. D. Anderson in the USA, which considers the efficacy of a CA125 blood test followed by an ultrasound scan, confirms early results from the UKCTOCS study.
Professor Hani Gabra, Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College London, comments:
“This study lends weight to the importance of sequential measures of CA125 as being a potentially important component of ovarian cancer screening. The definitive answer for this will come from the results of the UKCTOCS study of 200,000 women which is due to report in 2014.” -
Nigel Havers presents our Radio 4 Appeal!
Every week the Radio 4 Appeal highlights the work of a charity and appeals for donations.
Ovarian Cancer Action is delighted to have been chosen as one of the charities to be featured during April 2010.
Actor Nigel Havers presented the Appeal.
Nigel became a Patron of Ovarian Cancer Action when his late wife, Polly, was diagnosed with the disease.
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Every Woman Should Remember - online ovarian cancer symptoms awareness campaign launched
Ovarian Cancer Action launches the UK’s first online ovarian cancer symptoms awareness campaign - Every Woman Should Remember - at www.everywomanshouldremember.org.uk
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March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – show your support!
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month has arrived and Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity, is pulling out all the stops to ensure that women are aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer...[more]
Press release - Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [Word, 209KB, new window will open]
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Professor Hani Gabra comments on the OvPlex blood test and ovarian cancer
“OvPlex appears to be a more accurate test than the current CA125 blood test.
However, the practical importance or change in clinical practice that might be associated with this increase in sensitivity and specificity is not immediately apparent as yet and this will take some time to resolve.
Currently, OvPlex carries insufficient data to be recommended as a population screening tool for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Action advises all women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and, if they are experiencing them persistently, to visit their GP and ask if ovarian cancer should be considered.”
Prof Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College Hammersmith -
Ovarian Cancer Action’s media pack for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Action will be raising awareness in a variety of communities throughout March to ensure we are doing everything we can to inform women about the disease and its symptoms.
View the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month media pack [PDF, 2MB, new window will open]
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Medicine & me: Ovarian Cancer
Free meeting. Friday, 26 February 2010. Co-hosted by Ovarian Cancer Action and the Royal Society of Medicine.This meeting has been organised specifically for patients, their families, parents, advocates, patient support groups, clinicians and researchers to discuss care and research issues Speakers will provide a comprehensive overview of issues relating to ovarian cancer and the patient experience.
View meeting details and list of speakers [PDF 875KB, new window will open]Attendees will discuss known risks that women and healthcare professionals should be aware of and techniques for detecting the disease early; the notion of survivorship and how to live with and beyond treatment for ovarian cancer; current research into screening for ovarian cancer; new research and developments in the understanding of ovarian cancer and how Ovarian Cancer Action’s awareness, research and awareness work provides the best chance of improving women’s chances of surviving the disease.
To reserve a place email sblacklidge@ovarian.org.uk or call us on 020 8238 7605. A £10 refundable deposit will be required.
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The Whitehouse Consultancy provides free public affairs representation to Ovarian Cancer Action.
Public and parliamentary affairs consultancy, The Whitehouse Consultancy, annually invites worthy organisations to apply for its pro bono scheme. In 2009/2010 Ovarian Cancer Action will be their pro bono client.
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Ovarian Cancer Action’s Love Art reception and auction takes place on 7 December 2009 at BAFTA in London.
Here's a chance to bid on one of 30 contemporary works of art by well known artists, including Ferdinand Leger, Picasso, Paula Rego and Tracey Emin.
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Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive of Ovarian Cancer Action, comments on the Prime Minister’s announcement that increased funding is to be provided to improve access to NHS ovarian, lung and colorectal cancer diagnostic tests, where GPs suspect cancer:
“We welcome the announcement of new funding to improve speed of access to cancer diagnostic tests and the inclusion of ovarian cancer as one of the priority areas, especially since the majority of women with ovarian cancer are currently diagnosed with later stage disease.
It is also critical that GPs are aware of when cancer should be considered. GP awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer is currently very low and this is another key issue that Ovarian Cancer Action is seeking to address, working in partnership with the Royal College of GPs.”
Read more about Ovarian Cancer Action’s work with healthcare professionals
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Help us to win a new partnership with Deutsche Bank - Ovarian Cancer Action has been shortlisted to become Deutsche Bank’s Charity of the Year 2010 and we need your help in making sure we win!.
We’re one of 8 charities to be in with a chance of winning this much coveted partnership, which is likely to raise an incredible six figure sum. Winning this would enable us to fund a team at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre.
The winner is decided by Deutsche Bank employees who will be voting for their favourite charity. So we need to canvass as much support within Deutsche Bank to stand a chance of winning.
All you need to do is contact all of your friends to find out whether they know anyone who works for Deutsche Bank and get them to vote for Ovarian Cancer Action. A simple ask and you could help us to raise thousands and thousands of pounds!
Thank you.
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Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive of Ovarian Cancer Action, comments on the results of a study led by Dr Willie Hamilton of the University of Bristol indicating that women with ovarian cancer may experience delays of six months or more in being diagnosed, potentially affecting their chances of survival, because GPs are failing to spot common symptoms.
“The results of this important study provide further evidence that the majority of women with ovarian cancer experience symptoms up to six months or more before they are diagnosed. Awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms among women and healthcare professionals is currently far too low - Ovarian Cancer Action has recently launched a new 'Remember the symptoms' campaign, supported by the Royal College of GPs, as a step towards addressing this critical issue.”
Read the 'Remember the symptoms' campaign press release [Word doc, 46KB, new window will open]
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Actress Emilia Fox supports the UK’s first ovarian cancer symptoms awareness advertising campaign for Ovarian Cancer Action
The ‘Remember the symptoms’ campaign informs women of the common symptoms of ovarian cancer, encourages them to be aware, and to seek medical advice if they are experiencing them on most days.
Emilia comments: “Like most women, I was completely unaware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer before I got involved in Ovarian Cancer Action’s ‘Remember the symptoms’ campaign".
Read the 'Remember the symptoms' campaign press release [Word doc, 46KB, new window will open]
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Statement from Professor Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College, commenting on a new research study conducted in Denmark suggesting an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer associated with HRT use:
"This large research study provides further evidence that there is a modestly elevated risk associated with the use of HRT on the development of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Action encourages women to discuss any concerns they have regarding the use of HRT with their doctor. In particular, it is important that women neither stop nor start taking HRT without seeking medical advice.
Ultimately, more research is needed into the causes of ovarian cancer so that women can make informed choices to limit their chances of developing the disease."
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Professor Hani Gabra, Director of The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College London comments on research undertaken by Dr David Huntsman from British Columbia University into a genetic mutation that causes granulose cell tumour, a form of ovarian cancer that can be very difficult to treat.
"This is a very exciting development that shows the power of genomics and genomic technologies and their ability to impact on the lives of people. Granulosa cell tumours can be very difficult to treat, although their prognosis is much better generally than the more common epithelial ovarian cancers. This development can potentially take us in a completely new direction that will help us manage this rare form of ovarian cancer much better." Professor Hani Gabra, Director at The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Imperial College London.
View the findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine [New window will open]
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Professor Hani Gabra, Director at The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College London, comments on the OV05 research undertaken by Dr Gordon Rustin, Director of Medical Oncology at Mount Vernon Hospital, into whether chemotherapy for patients with raised CA125 - but no symptoms of ovarian cancer – enhances chances of survival compared to women who only start treatment once they have experienced symptoms. The research showed there is no benefit to patients of starting chemotherapy before they develop symptoms of ovarian cancer.
“This significant clinical trial shows that there is no rush to have chemotherapy if a woman’s CA125 blood increases after being treated for ovarian cancer previously: either in terms of enhancing chances of survival or improving quality of life. This will be a relief to women who do not want to have chemotherapy unless absolutely necessary.
It can be alarming for a woman if her CA125 goes up after being in remission from her first line treatment. Whilst upsetting, it should be reassuring for women to know that they can afford to wait until they have a reason, such as a recurrence of symptoms, before having chemotherapy, if they wish to do so.
New treatments and approaches are increasingly becoming available and the field is advancing very quickly, so it is important that evidence is constantly re-evaluated to ensure that we are giving women the most up to date information and enhancing their chances of surviving ovarian cancer." Hani Gabra, Director at The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College London
View the press release issued by the MRC on the research by Dr Rustin [New window will open]
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Prof Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, comments on the case of Sophie Fry, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at eight years old:
“Cancers found in the ovaries of young children, called ovarian germ cell tumours, are a quite distinct disease from adult ovarian cancer, which most commonly affects women aged fifty and over.
Germ cell tumours in children are thankfully rare and treatment is usually effective, with more than four out of five children who develop the disease surviving. Nonetheless, this will naturally be an extremely worrying time for the child affected and their family, and our thoughts are with them.
Very little is currently understood about the causes of ovarian cancer, which is why more investment in researching the disease is vital.”
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April 25 2009 - Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive, Ovarian Cancer Action, welcomes US Administration's commitment to fund cancer research:
"Ovarian Cancer Action welcomes the US Administration’s plans to commit billions of dollars to research in the fight against cancer. As the biggest gynaecological killer in the UK, ovarian cancer desperately needs this level of commitment if the low survival rates for women diagnosed with the disease are to be improved".
“A focused approach to ovarian cancer research, such as that undertaken at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre in the UK, together with raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer amongst the public and health professionals, currently provide our best chance of improving women’s chances of surviving the disease.”
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March 2009: Ovarian Cancer Action in the news
David Lammy, MP, talks to The Guardian about his mother’s experience of ovarian cancer:
The Guardian: 'I'm amazed it went undetected so long', David Lammy [new window will open]ITV’s This Morning helps Ovarian Cancer Action raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease:
ITV: This Morning - ovarian cancer awareness [new window will open]The Daily Mail features the personal account of a woman whose cancer was not detected on a number of occasions and references Ovarian Cancer Action’s work with health professionals:
Daily Mail: Cancer missed 20 times - Sue's horrifying story shows how bad doctors STILL are at spotting the silent killer [new window will open]Ovarian Cancer Action supporter, Rocky Scott, shares her experience of ovarian cancer on the BBC:
BBC News: 'I had no inkling I was ill', Rocky Scott [new window will open]Dr Chris Steele’s The Family GP website features the symptoms of ovarian cancer:
The Family GP: Dr Chris Steele - Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [new window will open] -
Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive, Ovarian Cancer Action, comments on the initial findings of the UKCTOCS screening trial:
“The initial findings of this long-term study are encouraging, particularly because almost half of the ovarian cancers detected were at an early stage, when survival rates can be as high as 90%. However, the trial still has several years until completion and the researchers will need to assess mortality rates to get a clearer idea of how effectively these screening methods translate into saving lives.
In the absence of a national screening programme, improving awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and developing a better understanding of how to treat it more effectively through investment in research, will both play a vital role in ensuring women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at an earlier stage and they receive the most effective treatment.”
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Most women remain unaware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms
New research commissioned by Ovarian Cancer Action shows that most women remain unaware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. This is despite the fact that ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynaecological cancer and accounts for more deaths than all the other gynaecological cancers combined.
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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2009
View our media pack for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2009 [PDF. 1.1MB. New window will open]
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The Freemasons' Grand Charity grants £1M to Ovarian Cancer Action
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has made a grant of £1,000,000 to Ovarian Cancer Action.
Payable over five years, the grant will fund research undertaken at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, the only dedicated ovarian cancer research centre in Europe.
Complementing this important medical research, the grant will also help Ovarian Cancer Action to continue its work raising awareness of the disease, its symptoms and causes amongst women and healthcare professionals.
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Fertility drugs and ovarian cancer
Professor Hani Gabra, Director of the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, and Sadaf Ghaem-Maghami, Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology, both at Imperial College London comment on a recently published paper in the BMJ, which found no link between infertility drugs and ovarian cancer:
"This large scale study supports previous research that found that overall there is no increased risk of developing ovarian cancer amongst women receiving fertility treatment. The researchers point out that longer follow up is required for a more definitive answer. This will be a huge relief to many women who have undergone fertility treatment.
" Currently, very little is known about the causes of ovarian cancer other than a relationship to ovulation, increased risk with age, a genetic predisposition in families with a history of breast and ovarian cancer and being overweight, all being important factors. Further research into the causes and treatments of the disease is vital if we are going to move towards improving survival rates for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer."
View the BMJ's published research paper on fertility drugs and ovarian cancer [new window will open]
View the BMJ's published editorial on fertility drugs and ovarian cancer [new window will open]To view press coverage of this story, quoting Professor Gabra:
Press Association Newsfile: No cancer link to fertility drugs [new window will open]
BBC News Online: IVF drugs cancer risk 'ruled out' [new window will open]
and
Daily Mirror: Tot drug does not increase cancer risk [new window will open]
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Ovarian Cancer Action's comment on US study that links obesity with ovarian cancer in women who do not take HRT
Peter Reynolds, Chief Executive, Ovarian Cancer Action, comments:
“This new study provides further evidence that obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Action recommends that women maintain a healthy body weight, eat healthily and take regular exercise to reduce their chances of developing the disease. The observation that the increased risk associated with obesity was not present among women who had used Hormone Replacement Therapy is interesting, but further research is required in order to understand the role of HRT in ovarian cancer risk.The study highlights the fact that very little is currently known about the causes of ovarian cancer, other than women’s chances of developing the disease increase with age and they are more predisposed to the disease if they have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. More research is urgently needed into the causes of the disease to enhance our understanding of how it develops and the most effective ways of treating it. Ovarian Cancer Action has established Europe’s first dedicated ovarian cancer research centre, to provide a focus for research into the disease.”
Go to original Press Release on the American Cancer Society's website [new window will open].
For more information email Samantha Gibson or call on 07825 554009.
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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is in March 2009
Find out more about Love Women: Ovarian Cancer Action’s awareness and fundraising campaign.
Download Ovarian Cancer Action's media pack [PDF, 579KB, new window will open] -
Important new development for ovarian cancer signs and symptoms
Ovarian Cancer Action has joined forces with the Department of Health, leading ovarian cancer clinicians, researchers and other cancer charities, to raise awareness of the key signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
The key messages will be launched at an event held at the House of Lords on Monday evening. This new development follows a focus on ovarian cancer by the Department of Health as part of its work on the National Awareness and Early Detection Initiative, which was announced in the Cancer Reform Strategy in December 2007.
Press Release: Patients given clear advice on signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer [PDF, 36KB, new window will open] -
Ovarian Cancer Action’s statement on the key messages for ovarian cancer:
“Ovarian Cancer Action is delighted that agreement has been reached on the recognisable signs and symptoms for ovarian cancer. We have led the campaign for greater awareness amongst women and healthcare professional and hope that this latest development will bring clarity to women and give them the confidence to seek medical advice promptly if they are experiencing any of these symptoms persistently. Symptom awareness is critical to helping women get an early diagnosis, which may play a significant role in improving their chances of survival.”
Key Messages for Ovarian Cancer [PDF, 99KB, new window will open] -
The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre
The Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre is growing, and will be moving to a new laboratory on the Imperial Hammersmith site in Spring 2009.
Research Centre moving to Imperial Hammersmith -
New Research From US May Improve Early Detection
Ovarian Cancer Action's statement on new research from the US that indicates that awareness of persistent symptoms linked to ovarian cancer, when combined with the CA125 blood test, might improve early detection of the disease.
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Ovarian Cancer Action appoints new Chief Executive
Ovarian Cancer Action, the UK's leading ovarian cancer charity, has appointed Peter Reynolds as Chief Executive. He joins the charity from Children with Leukaemia, where he was Deputy Chief Executive.
Peter Reynolds joins Ovarian Cancer Action -
Ovarian Cancer Action Survivors' Forum success!
In March, fifty survivors came together at a satellite meeting, as part of the 1st Ovarian Cancer Action international conference to learn about the latest advances in ovarian cancer treatment and share their experiences.
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Awareness Day at Portcullis House, Westminster
Over 50 MPs attended an awareness day at Portcullis House, Westminster in February to learn more about the disease and meet survivors.
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Have you recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer?
Then why not ask us to send you our new patient resource pack? This will be an invaluable resource to have to hand, so you can get information as and when you want it.
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Raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms with Ovarian Cancer Action
To ensure that as many women as possible find out about the importance of persistent and very frequent symptoms we have produced a new raising awareness pack
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Symptom awareness campaign launched in GP surgeries throughout England
GP surgeries to become symptom aware. Each and every GP surgery in England is to become ovarian cancer symptom aware from the end of February.
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Have you or someone you know used the symptom diary?
We are looking for feedback on the symptom diary.
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Your voices heard in parliament!
Ovarian Cancer Action is delighted at the two new initiatives on symptoms of ovarian cancer, aimed at women and doctors.
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Family history, genetics and insurance
Do you have a family history of ovarian cancer and are concerned about how insurance companies might use this information? Why not attend a special meeting organised by the Department of Health.
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Daily diary helps women recognise symptoms of ovarian cancer
Research shows it is the frequency and persistency of symptoms that can help distinguish between ovarian cancer and other less serious conditions. In order to help women and their doctors assess when ovarian cancer should be considered, Ovarian Cancer Action have launched their symptom diary, including top tips on getting the best out of your doctor's appointment.
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Raising our voices in Parliament
Ovarian Cancer Action's 'Turning up the Volume' event on July 16th at the Palace of Westminster aimed to allow the voices of women with ovarian cancer to be heard in parliament, as the government prepares its new Cancer Plan.
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Listening to Your Voices
We have now held a further focus group in December 2007 to further our aim to hear about what its like to have ovarian cancer from that first GP visit to specialist care.
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Symptoms consensus
Three leading groups in the United States have released a consensus statement on symptoms in ovarian cancer, calling for women and their doctors to be made aware of key frequent and persistent symptoms.
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Ovarian Cancer Action Research Unit opens officially
Actor and Ovarian Cancer Action Patron Nigel Havers recently unveiled the founders plaque at the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Unit.
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HRT and ovarian cancer – new evidence
A new study has highlighted once again the link between long term use of Hormone Replacement Therapy and an increase in the risk of developing ovarian cancer, and dying from the disease.