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16 AWARENESS SPOTLIGHT FROM PAGE 15 test could save the lives of more than 1.3 million women. How does ovarian cancer affect women and their families? What sort of impact – both immediate and future – does it have? The reality for all women who receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis is that treatment hasn’t changed significantly over the past 30 years and predominantly involves surgery and chemotherapy. While initial treatments appear successful, more than 80 per cent of women will experience a recurrence of the cancer, and with repeated relapse and chemotherapy treatments, the cancer will change and will eventually become resistant to all chemotherapy. This is a bleak view and the impacts on women and their families are enormous. What research is underway in this space? There’s really exciting research underway and, although I may be biased, I believe that Australian researchers are leading the world in this area. The key areas that will save the most women’s lives are: • Personalised treatments or precision medicine approaches – treating the Individual’s type of ovarian cancer, rather than one size fits all, and looking at ways to prevent or reduce metastasis (spread of the cancer) and chemoresistance. • Management of recurrence – ovarian cancer often recurs within 18 months of the initial treatment and quickly develops chemoresistance. OCRF researchers are looking at other therapeutic options, as well as how they can make chemotherapy more effective. • Early detection – the development of a test similar to a pap smear is the most promising research currently funded by the OCRF (stay tuned for some very exciting news). • Prevention and cure. How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted operations at the OCRF? The latter half of the 2019/20 financial year brought significant challenges to all Australians with the impacts of Covid-19. The OCRF was very mindful of potential and real impacts on our supporters, fundraisers, corporate “The White Shirt Campaign (WSC) will be celebrating its 13th year in 2021 and has raised in excess of $13.7 million in that time.” sponsors, our Ambassadors and our staff. That said, with some quick and thoughtful work and the ongoing support of our community, we remain in a financially viable and sustainable position, and we continue to fund the most promising and innovative ovarian cancer research available. Tell us about the White Shirt Campaign. The White Shirt Campaign (WSC) will be celebrating its 13th year in 2021 and has raised in excess of $13.7 million in that time. For every white shirt sold, \\\[women’s fashion label\\\] Witchery donates 100 per cent of the gross proceeds to the OCRF to fund lifesaving research. The WSC remains the most significant campaign for ovarian cancer research in Australia and because of the ongoing generosity of Witchery, we’ve been able to dramatically increase research funding, particularly towards early detection research. But not only does the campaign raise significant funds, it allows a wide audience reach. Through the support of high-profile Ambassadors, we’ve been able to increase awareness and understanding of the disease itself. And most importantly, we’ve assisted government and the community to understand the lived experience of women with ovarian cancer – nothing is more important than this. How can people get involved in supporting OCRF? There are many ways to support the OCRF – either generally, during February (with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month), or during the White Shirt Campaign. Raising funds to provide strong and sustainable funding to our researchers is paramount, and we’re more than happy to assist in whatever form that takes. We’re launching our regular giving program this month, which gives an exciting inside view of the working of research laboratories and where research is at. We’re also in a position to support local community campaigns, events or functions, including workplace giving opportunities. If people are interested in contributing to a more positive future for all women, please contact us at community@ocrf.com.au. RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • FEB 2021