Ovarian Cancer

Following the approach used in other research programs within the Daffodil Centre, the team is developing an Ovarian Cancer Roadmap, which will outline a focused, evidence-based approach to reducing the burden of ovarian cancer. The roadmap considers the different subtypes of ovarian cancer and the need for tailored approaches to prevention, early detection and treatment. The roadmap will help guide the research priorities, aiming to use the best available evidence to reach consensus on optimal clinical pathways for the prevention, early detection, and management of ovarian cancer.

There is no effective early detection test for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms, and the symptoms themselves are often vague or difficult to distinguish from other health issues. This means ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when it is more difficult to treat.  By analysing data from the 45 and Up Study and information on health care usage, the team is developing a picture of the current pathways to diagnosis of ovarian cancer in Australia, aiming to identify trends in diagnostic pathways and potential gaps or disparities in care.

Using information from the 45 and Up Study and linked data on health care usage, the team is investigating the direct health system costs of ovarian cancer. Benchmarking current practice and these associated costs is vital to identify how clinicians, researchers and policy makers can make the biggest impact on improving ovarian cancer survival.

Using implementation science approaches, the team is conducting a process mapping investigation to understand the current referral processes for genetic testing and counselling for women with ovarian cancer and their families, to demonstrate variation that may exist between settings, and identify any positive or negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on referral processes. The team is also exploring how eligibility criteria, service availability, and referral pathways may differ based on regionality or private health insurance status.

The team is developing an innovative predictive modelling platform, called Policy1–Ovary. This highly sophisticated tool is being used to assess the potential impact of different interventions for ovarian cancer, such as new early detection strategies, improvements to diagnostic pathways or treatment tools and interventions.