Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO leads Australia Ovarian Cancer Consumer Committee

For the first time ovarian cancer consumers will join with gynaecological oncologists to explore ways to increase participation by women with gynaecological cancer in clinical trials.

The Consumer and Community Committee of the of the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) will hold a special forum at the ANZGOG/ASGO (Australian Society of Gynaelcological Oncologists) annual conference in April to look at how to foster better communication between consumers and clinicians.

Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO and ANZGOG Executive Member, Karen Livingstone is the Chair of the ANZGOG Consumer and Community Committee and will facilitate the forum
Ms Livingstone expects a robust discussion given this is the first time in Australia that a group of consumers have been invited to attend and participate in such an event.

"As the voice of ovarian cancer consumers in Australia, we know that patients, survivors and their friends and families have an important contribution to make in breaking down the barriers between the medical profession and consumers," she said.

Ms Livingstone advised that the goal of the forum was to find ways to help women with gynaecological cancer to better understand how clinical trials work and for clinicians to explore how they can improve communication on what are often complex and technical decisions.
"When consumers have a more informed understanding of the process then we should see more women participating in clinical trials and hopefully that will lead to better research outcomes and the discovery of improved methods of treatment for gynaecological cancer," she said.
The ANZGOG/ASGO conference will take place April 1-4th in Noosa, Queensland.

Ovarian Cancer Australia is the peak organisation for ovarian cancer in Australia and the only consumer network for women and their families coming to grips with ovarian cancer. Our programs are focused on: promoting awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms in the community; providing support and resources to women and their networks affected by ovarian cancer; campaigning on their behalf to enhance the outlook for ovarian cancer patients through improved diagnosis, care and treatment; and raising funds for the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study.

For more information or to speak to Karen Livingstone call 1300 660 334 or email admin@ovariancancer.net.au