OVARIAN cancer is often described as an elusive disease with symptoms mimicking other, less serious conditions, resulting in delays in diagnosis. As cases for all women in Malaysia rise, there is a clear need for greater social awareness to educate women and to address the significant challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors today.
While other female cancers are seeing significant progress with detection and prevention, there are currently no reliable screening tests or vaccination programs on the horizon for ovarian cancer.
Professor Woo Yin Ling, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at the University Malaya Medical Centre said, “The International Agency on Cancer Research (IARC) estimates that in 2020, over 1,800 women in Malaysia were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This figure is projected to increase by 86% by 2040.
"We need to work on better access to medical treatment and affordability particularly amongst low- and middle-income women groups and develop more sustainable solutions to increase our outreach to women in the country.
"In this respect, I am pleased to announce that the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition has included Malaysia in the 'Every Woman Study: Low- and Middle-Income Edition' survey launching next year. These are first steps to seek a viable strategic approach that will bring clinicians and patients together to work at a national level via a global partnership. Our focus will be aligned to the aims of the Coalition which are to improve survival and quality of life for woman with ovarian cancer.”
Celina May Benjamin, an ovarian cancer survivor herself said, “We are in the process of finalising our partnership with the Coalition to set up a patient support and advocacy group in the country. This will be in tandem with the upcoming 'Every Woman Study' survey. It is about education and engagement with women who have ovarian cancer today to provide an avenue that will enable women to be more resilient and aware of the options available in cancer care in the future.”
Ovarian cancer survivors are invited to join the Study initiative and be part of the support group. Those interested can email [email protected] for more information.
Through the six goals of the Global Ovarian Cancer Charter, the coalition intends to increase the visibility of ovarian cancer challenges at local, regional, national and international levels; showcase good practice via 'Charter Champion' individuals and organisations who support the goals and stimulate new projects and collaboration within the global ovarian cancer community.
Key Facts on Ovarian Cancer
- Global cases will rise by almost 40% by 2040.
- According to the 2018 Study, over two-thirds of women had not heard or knew anything about ovarian cancer prior to their diagnosis.
- Five-year survival rates are less than 50%
- Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all female cancers.
The 'Every Woman Study: Low- and Middle-Income Edition' will launch worldwide in early 2022. The first version was released in 2018 and was the largest-ever survey of women with ovarian cancer, receiving responses from 1,531 women from 44 countries. Members of the international clinical community in 16 countries also contributed, providing key input and insight.
The results of the first study showed wide variations between countries in terms of best practice, and how local challenges differ in tackling the cancer. No one country, it was noted, had all the answers, and all could benefit if variations were addressed and best practices shared.
Frances Reid, Programme Director for the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, said “Most respondents in The 2018 version of the 'Every Woman Study' were from high-income countries. However, with 70% of women with ovarian cancer living in low- and middle-income countries – which is where the burden of ovarian cancer set to rise most sharply – it is essential that we understand more about the experiences of women living in these settings.
"We are delighted that our colleagues in Malaysia are participating in the study and hugely impressed by their efforts to establish a patient support and advocacy group for women with ovarian cancer. These actions demonstrate an outstanding commitment within Malaysia to improve the experience of women diagnosed with this disease.” – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
