Fifteen hundred Australian women are likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. The survival rate is less than half.
It is these tough statistics that has seen a commitment by the Coalition Government to improve not just awareness, but treatment outcomes and drug availability.
Teal Ribbon Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the tragedy of Ovarian and Gynaecological Cancers – not just for the women who are affected by them, but for their families and friends.
The Coalition takes its role seriously as the biggest single funder of cancer research in Australia. We have put up more than $107 million into ovarian cancer research.
Facing ovarian cancer is a hard fight and there are so many women fighting that fight with courage and determination. It is these women and those who may be diagnosed in the future we must fight for.
I am pleased Health Minister Greg Hunt recently listed Olaparib on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Olaparib is used in the treatment of high grade serous ovarian, fallopian, and peritoneal cancers and works by programming the destruction of cancerous cells.
This is a drug that will help 237 women approximately in Australia this year in their battle with ovarian cancer. What would otherwise have been more than $100,000 a year, will now be available for $38.80 per script or $6.30 per script.
There is no early detection for Ovarian Cancer so sadly as a result, women are very often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when it’s very difficult to treat.
We are committed to raise awareness of ovarian cancer to accelerate early diagnosis and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
February 22 2017
