$1.6 million for innovative ovarian cancer care pilot

The Liberal National Government will invest $1.6 million in an innovative pilot project to support women living with ovarian cancer.

Delivered through Ovarian Cancer Australia, the pilot program is built upon a psychosocial support case management model using telehealth to provide care and support to ovarian cancer patients and their families.

It is estimated that over 400 of the most at risk women living with ovarian cancer are expected to receive support through this project, with a focus on women living in rural, regional and remote Australia.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and it is an opportunity to drive our efforts to save and improve the lives of women with this cancer and raise awareness for the more than 1,500 women expected to be diagnosed this year.

Our Government is also making sure medicines for ovarian cancer are more affordable. This includes the listing of Lynparza on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, saving women and their families $90,000 a year.

Research remains our best hope of defeating this cancer and developing more effective treatments to prevent or control this condition. Clinical trials are fundamental to see if new cancer treatments, diagnostic tests or preventive interventions are effective.

We are committed to tackling ovarian cancer and have provided through the National Health and Medical Research Council, more than $37 million since 2013.

Through the Priority Driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme, Cancer Australia and its partners have awarded funding to support 23 ovarian cancer research projects valued at $10.9 million.

More than $6 million will be invested in Cancer Australia’s Support for Cancer Clinical Trials program which includes ovarian cancer.

Our Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment into vital health initiatives including medical research, mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.

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