To recognise Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our dedicated gynaecological cancer researchers, Dr Laura Sunderland.
A member of our donor-funded Early Career Research Program, Laura is investigating the barriers patients face when it comes to accessing surgery for ovarian cancer.
“Unfortunately, most patients with ovarian cancer present when the disease is already advanced, which may impact the role of surgery,” Laura explains. “This is why we need to review any potential barriers to surgical management for patients with ovarian cancer.”
Laura's research focusses especially on the experiences of rural and regional patients, who often face additional challenges when it comes to accessing treatment.
"There are many reasons why patients from more rural areas might be less likely to have surgery for ovarian cancer,” Laura says. “These may include distance to treatment centres, economic or social barriers or lack of oncological resources.”
Laura and her team have been working with the National Gynaecological Oncology Registry to review the outcomes of patients who do not have surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, and the potential contributing reasons.
In doing so, Laura hopes to target and remove barriers to treatment, ensuring equity of access and improved outcomes for all patients with ovarian cancer, no matter where they live.
“Ovarian cancer impacts a considerable number of women around the world with significant morbidity and mortality and no available validated screening tests just yet.
Donor support is absolutely vital for ovarian cancer research, helping to fill the significant funding gap and support new research to help improve patient outcomes.”
