The Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study First Results

The first results of the Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study were launched at a House of Commons event on June 29th 2009.

Sharon Hodgson MP for Gateshead East and Washington West hosted the packed event, whose audience consisted of MPs, policy makers, Pathfinder Study participants, and Target Ovarian Cancer Supporters.

At the last minute, Health Minister Ann Keen MP was unable to speak at the event due to ill health, but commented:

"I welcome the breadth of the Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study which identifies the challenges and opportunities of improving survival and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.  

"By highlighting the experiences of those living or working with ovarian cancer in the UK, there is a clear focus on where we may be able to make progress, both now and in the longer term.

"The Department of Health is committed to working with Target Ovarian Cancer and others to increase survival rates particularly in the areas of symptom awareness amongst women and GPs.

"As a nurse, I understand how important early detection is in helping to fight this deadly disease as well as improving emotional support available to women."

Shadow Health Minister Mark Simmonds MP spoke in particular about the importance of awareness and protecting the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist.

A copy of the report can be downloaded here along with the accompanying news release. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the report please email us giving your full name, address and postcode:  info@targetovarian.org.uk

Coverage appeared in the form of an exclusive in the Guardian newspaper, with interviews also taking place on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Five Live, GMTV and a range of other TV stations. Other newspapers have picked up the story since including the Daily Mail and The Independent.

Target Ovarian Cancer for the first time used the latest online communication tool, ipadio, which broadcasts live to web from any phone, to capture reactions to the report from some of the Advisory Panellists and participants. A selection of these broadcasts can be heard below