REGINA — Saskatchewan has contributed $2 million to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) since 2020 to support ovarian cancer research happening in the province.
According to Saskatchewan Health, this allocation has supported research and clinical trials that benefit patients by improving diagnosis, treatment options, outcomes and survival rates for women.
Friday, May 8 is World Ovarian Cancer Day.
About 3,000 Canadian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, including approximately 90 women in Saskatchewan.
Funding provided by the Ministry of Health is currently supporting three Saskatchewan-based research projects:
- Enhancement of the University of Saskatchewan Gynecologic Oncology Biobank making it easier for researchers to access high-quality tissue samples and matched blood samples.
- Implementation and validation of new testing for the FRα biomarker in Saskatchewan, enabling clinicians to identify ovarian cancer patients most likely to benefit from targeted, personalized treatment options.
- Innovative precision oncology research that uses patients’ own ovarian tumour cells to test treatments in real time, helping clinicians move beyond trial‑and‑error and identify more effective, personalized therapies for women with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Currently, there is no vaccine for ovarian cancer, nor are there any reliable early detection or screening tests. Ovarian cancer is usually at an advanced stage by the time a woman has symptoms. As a result, most women have advanced ovarian cancer at the time of diagnosis. Projections indicate the survival rate five years after ovarian cancer diagnosis is 44 per cent in Canada.
“The complexity of ovarian cancer, with its vague symptoms and many types, makes it difficult to diagnose early and treat at advanced stages. Yet these are accomplishments we know we need to save lives,” Ovarian Cancer Canada CEO Tania Vrionis said.
“Saskatchewan’s investment in ovarian cancer research is addressing a critical gap in women’s healthcare. After decades without meaningful change, the progress we are making is offering Canadians facing ovarian cancer real hope.”
For more information about ovarian cancer testing and services visit: Tumour testing and ovarian cancer drug prediction program – Ovarian Cancer Canada.
