Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide with 320,000 new cases diagnosed each year. To change this trajectory, GCI Members are leading innovative research driving prevention forward.
Dr. Gillian Hanley’s research on opportunistic salpingectomy, the removal of the fallopian tubes during another pelvic surgery, has demonstrated an 80% reduction in ovarian cancer risk.
Originally developed by GCI Member, Dianne Miller, this evidence has informed international guidelines, with 23 countries now recommending the procedure as a preventive measure.
Having a BRCA1 mutation increases your lifetime ovarian cancer risk to 44%, compared 1.3% in the general population. Dr. Lesa Dawson was recently awarded a Genome BC SOC grant to evaluate public and community partner preferences of a Population-Based Genetic Testing model to detect BRCA mutations associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in British Columbia, an approach that is projected to prevent over 500 ovarian cancers for every 1 million people by improving access to genetic testing. This work focuses on removing barriers and reducing the “hoops” for genetic testing referrals, making hereditary cancer prevention equitable and accessible.
Knowledge is Power
“Until a test is found … the only defense that women have against this disease is knowledge of our own bodies, our own health, and awareness of the risk factors and the medical realities of this disease.”
– Donna Peppin, Patient Partner with Ovarian Cancer Canada
This month, we amplify awareness and highlight the voices at the heart of this work. Featured here is a quote from Donna Peppin, a Patient Representative with Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Patient Partner in Research program and OvCAN initiative. Donna reminds us of the critical importance of awareness. Swipe to hear a clip, or head to the link in our bio for the full episode!
Donna reminds us of the critical importance of awareness. Inspired by Donna’s words, we’re sharing a few valuable educational resources below:
📚 BC Cancer Informational Guide to Ovarian Cancer
📚 Comprehensive Patient Guide from Ovarian Cancer Canada.
References
Menon U, Gentry-Maharaj A, Burnell M, et al. Ovarian cancer population screening and mortality after long-term follow-up in the UK Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2021;397(10290):2182-2193. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00731-5
Hanley GE, Pearce CL, Talhouk A, Kwon JS, Finlayson SJ, McAlpine JN, Huntsman DG, Miller D. Outcomes From Opportunistic Salpingectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(2):e2147343. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.47343
Hanley GE, Niu J, Han J, Fung S, Bryant H, Kwon JS, Huntsman DG, Finlayson SJ, McAlpine JN, Miller D, Earle CC. Opportunistic salpingectomy between 2011 and 2016: a descriptive analysis. CMAJ Open. 2022;10(2):E466-E475. doi:10.9778/cmajo.20210219
Sun L, Wei X, Fierheller CT, Dawson L, Oxley S, Kalra A, Sia J, Feldman F, Peacock S, Schrader KA, Legood R, Kwon JS, Manchanda R. Economic Evaluation of Population-Based BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing in Canada. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2432725. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.32725
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