Toronto, Feb. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advocates pressing for federal investment to address ovarian cancer are today re-iterating the need for specific and targeted investments in ovarian cancer research. While Budget 2018 made important investments in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the lack of funding earmarked for Canada’s most fatal women’s cancer means that thousands of women who will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year must continue pressing for more research.
Ovarian Cancer Canada has called for an immediate and additional $10M in federal funding for ovarian cancer research, which will enable Canadian scientists to develop new research models, identify and prioritize new treatments, and maximize patient enrollment in clinical trials.
“While Ovarian Cancer Canada is encouraged by the federal government’s commitment to advancing health research, Budget 2018 leaves much to be desired for women living with ovarian cancer,” says Elisabeth Baugh, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada. “The case for prioritizing ovarian cancer is long overdue and we continue to call on the government to invest funds to support Canadian mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives.”
Fifty-six per cent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not live to see another five years, making ovarian cancer the most fatal gynecological cancer in Canada. Survival rates haven’t improved in 50 years because significant underfunding in this area has stalled research.
CIHR is the federal agency responsible for allocating funds for health research. Under its charge, investments in ovarian cancer research have fallen far behind other cancers with higher incidences and lower mortality rates.
Between 2010 and 2014, CIHR invested $81.M in breast cancer research, $39.8M in research on prostate cancer, and only $16.9M in ovarian cancer research. With substantial financial backing, both breast cancer and prostate cancer have seen marked advances in treatment and survival, however very little has changed in screening or treatments for ovarian cancer. In fact, few treatments for this disease have become publicly available in Canada since the 1990s.
For years, Ovarian Cancer Canada has been leading advocacy efforts urging government to invest more in ovarian cancer research. Following pre-budget consultations in 2017, the issue was brought forward in a recommendation from the Standing Committee on Finance.
“This is a matter of basic justice and equity in health care,” adds Baugh. “Funding for ovarian cancer research will turn the tide on a disease that has been overlooked despite unacceptably high mortality rates, it would also show a commitment to women’s health and the right of every woman with this disease to live better and longer.”
About Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. The organization provides leadership by supporting women and families living with the disease, raising awareness, and funding research into prevention, improved treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5eec075c-9efd-4f5a-9315-598c841495ce
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2dfa74f-4447-48a8-a224-5096b9de97f6
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f4777bb5-1914-4fa3-8546-4ecc483ffd5f