Parliament House hears call for urgent action on ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer Australia is today bringing together parliamentarians, sector leaders, partners, and people with lived experience at its 12th annual Parliamentary Breakfast to call for a national focus on improving outcomes for women with ovarian cancer. 

More than 90 guests will gather at Parliament House to mark the start of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, hearing from parliamentary leaders and Elsa Larsen, who lost her sister Kristen to ovarian cancer six-years after her diagnosis. 

Ovarian cancer is Australia’s most lethal cancer unique to women. Only 49 per cent survive beyond five years, and 70 per cent experience a recurrence within three. While progress has been made, the breakfast provides a moment to reflect on how much more work is needed.  

“When my sister Kristen was diagnosed, we never imagined it would take her life, but ovarian cancer is relentless. It takes mothers, daughters, sisters and friends far too soon. I share our story because behind every statistic is a family like ours,” Elsa Larsen said. 

“Kristen spoke at the same event in 2019, calling for urgent change, and five years later, survival rates have barely shifted. That is simply not good enough. Women deserve earlier detection, better treatments and real investment in research, and our leaders must act faster.” 

Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO Debbie Shiell said the event underscores the urgent need for bipartisan leadership in women’s health, and places the voices of lived experience at the heart of national advocacy and reform.  

“Ovarian cancer is the quintessential example of how we have let women down. Too often, research is underfunded, treatments are limited, and women’s voices are de-prioritised,” Ms Shiell said.  

“The silence around women’s health is starting to shift, but ovarian and gynaecological cancers are still too often overlooked – they must be front and centre in national conversations. 

“That means a sustained national focus on earlier detection, better and more personalised treatment options, and stronger support for women and families. 

“We’re calling on the Federal Government to invest in initiatives that improve outcomes for women with ovarian and gynaecological cancers, including funding the Gynaecological Cancer Translation Initiative – an evidence-based program designed to enhance care, quality of life, and survival.” 

Today’s gathering also coincides with World Cancer Day – a moment to unite and raise awareness, highlighting the power of stories to drive change. Reflecting on this, Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO of Cancer Australia, said: 

“On World Cancer Day, we are reminded that every person’s story matters. Through our partnership with OCA, Cancer Australia is proud to support a united approach to personcentred cancer care – one that celebrates what makes each experience unique and strengthens our collective impact. 

Today, at the Teal Parliamentary Breakfast, we are pleased to open nominations for the 2026 Jeannie Ferris Awards. This milestone honours the Award’s legacy of supporting those affected by ovarian cancer while celebrating its expanded purpose to recognise champions working across all cancer types.’’ 

Ovarian Cancer Australia invites Australians to join the movement during February’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – to speak up, start a conversation and shine a light on ovarian cancer so that women and families affected by this disease are seen, heard and supported. Find out more about how to get involved here.  

-ENDS- 

Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0493 324 282 or media@ovariancancer.net.au 

BACKGROUNDER: 

About Ovarian Cancer Australia: 

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is the leading national organisation supporting people living with ovarian cancer and those who care for them. For 25 years, OCA has provided free, expert nursing, psychological and emotional support, with tailored, evidence-based programs available across the country.  

We amplify the voices of the ovarian cancer community and advocate for urgent, meaningful policy change to improve outcomes. With a five-year survival rate that remains unacceptably low, greater national investment is critical to tackling Australia’s most lethal female cancer. 

Until we reach a future free from ovarian cancer, OCA remains committed to delivering trusted information, education and support – ensuring no one with ovarian cancer walks alone. 

About Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: 

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM) brings the nation together to raise awareness of the symptoms, challenges, and urgent unmet needs faced by women with ovarian cancer, ensuring this often-overlooked disease receives the visibility it deserves. 

Led by Ovarian Cancer Australia in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, ANZGOG, and a network of partners including Black Pepper, TerryWhite and Hairhouse, OCAM elevates the voices of women with lived experience, promotes evidence-based information, and advocates for better access to care and support. 

Through personal stories, media and social campaigns, events such as the Parliamentary Breakfast, and community fundraising through Giving Day, OCAM provides Australians with opportunities to learn, participate, and support women and families affected by ovarian cancer. Funds raised help deliver vital programs, research, and direct support services.