Article, Slow but Meaningful Progress against Ovarian Cancer

[Whippit]

This article based on the opinions of Professor Hani Gabra has recently been published. I think it's good news for us all ladies. xxx

Slow but Meaningful Progress in Fight against Ovarian Cancer

Between 2002 and 2010, England saw a drop of more than 20% in ovarian cancer mortality rates, according to a new report from the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN). The report further found that 1-year survival for the disease has markedly improved since the mid-1980s, rising from 57% to 73%, while 5-year survival has increased from 33% to 44%. The past few years have also seen something of a decline in incidence. “During the last 10 years, incidence has decreased mos tnotably in women aged 50–69, and mortality has decreased most notably in women aged 40–69, concluded the authors.

The decreased incidence, explains lead author Andy Nordin (Chair of NCIN Gynaecological Site Specific Clinical References Group, London, UK), can probably be attributed to the introduction of hormonal contra- ceptives in the 1960s. “The com- bined pill, or progesterone-related

contraceptives, reduce the risk of ovarian cancer potentially by 50%”, he told The Lancet Oncology.

A major area of concern is older women. The NCIN report noted that there is “strong evidence that ovarian cancer survival is worse in older women”. Over 80% of deaths from ovarian cancer occur in women over 60 years of age. “We’re doing much better with younger women”, said Nordin. Younger women are more likely to be diagnosed and referred earlier, and are also in better shape to cope with chemotherapy regimens and radical surgery. “It does look like the proportion of women who are diagnosed through emergency presentation goes up significantly with age”, Nordin added.

Improvements in ovarian cancer care in the UK are largely related to the reconfiguration of gynae-oncological services in the wake of the 2000 National Cancer Plan. “Centralisation has provided a much more optimised environment for patients”, affirmed Hani Gabra (Imperial College London, UK). In which case, continuing improvements in 5-year survival can reasonably be expected.

Meanwhile, there is renewed focus on awareness and early diagnosis and detection. Last year, NICE issued guidance for general practitioners on recognising ovarian cancer, and the Department of Health will launch a new ovarian cancer campaign in early 2013. The disease can move quickly to stage III, so these efforts might not lead to patients being diagnosed

at earlier stages, but Gabra pointsout that there is a significant difference in the prospects for those who start treatment early in stage III and those who start later. “Ovarian cancer is fundamentally a disease that is sensitive to treatment”, he concluded. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.

Talha Khan Burki

PublishedOnline December 1, 2012 dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S1470-2045(12)70547-8

For the NCIN report see ncin.org.uk/view. aspx?rid=1740

thelancet.com/oncology Published online December 1, 2012

[Hidden]

Hi Annie,

I have just clicked on but it comes up with an error!!! Love x G x

[Whippit]

Dear Eira Gwyn,

I clicked and it also came up with an error, so I've just pasted the article into the blog. Happy reading. I like Professor Hani Gabra. xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Whippit]

Thank you, I've saved it to read later x G x

[Hidden]

A heartening article , Annie. And written in accessible language.

Thanks for posting it.

Linda xx

[Hidden]

Good stuff - interesting that the Dept of Health has a new campaign to launch 2013 too that's v good as it means ovacome, other orgs and individuals can piggyback on it and get better impact from any awareness / fundraising activities - those sorts of opportunities are priceless.

[Hidden]

Thanks Annie. Lovely artwork, you creative person.

Moniquex

[Whippit]

I think it is a heartening report. If you think that 10% of women who get Ovarian Cancer have refractory disease which is dreadful because it just doesn't respond in any way to chemotherapy - the outlook is even better than it appears for the lucky ones who are responding in some way to chemotherapy.

The artwork isn't mine, by the way, I just googled 'Imagine Hope' and there was quite a choice of free images to download from the internet. xxxx

[lucy1dog]

Hi Annie thank you for the article I think it is wonderful the way you and other people on the site find information and pass it on. This one is very heartening.

Lucy x

[Whippit in reply to lucy1dog]

Thanks Lucy. I got the article via an email. I joined Ovarian Action as a 'Voice' and they send regular emails to update me on current research and reports. I thought this one was good as it was clear and easy to read - also very positive for us.

I just know there's a breakthrough out there just waiting to be discovered.

love Annie

[Hidden]

Hi Annie

What uplifting news. Thankyou.

Chris x x

[Coco]

Annie Hi x

I haven't blogged for some time but everyday I read the blogs. I find it comforting as too is this latest report.

Unfortuntely after the weekly taxol my marker started to rise again and I have been put on Letrozole. It stops me producing oestrogen, it can be successful apparently. I Had a scan which was good and only showed a little disease and I feel great, in fact we had a week in Tenerife three weeks ago. I saw my oncologist wednesday and nothing being done to the new year. However, the reason I write to you, is I had an appointment at the Marsden yesterday to be considered for a trial at some stage next year. I met Prof Kaye! Felt like curtsying! it was all very daunting and what a place. but yes it confirms that's lots being done for this disease and others, so I along with all you ladies keep positive that something will be found to cure OC.

I will keep you posted on everything.

Much love to you and thanks to you and all for blogs. I would do more, but husband got new i pad and i much prefer original keppadz,,,Keypad exactly!!!

Coco xxx

[Whippit in reply to Coco]

Dear Coco, thanks so much for posting this thread. It's good to know there are ladies who are comforted by the various blogs, banter and questions. I really do hope the trial works. There is so much going on isn't there. I hadn't heard of Professor Kayel, but if you google the university hospitals for ovarian cancer research you will find many eminent professors working on our issues with Ovarian Cancer.

I'm really looking forward to hearing how you get on.

Loads of love xx Annie

[Hidden]

Reading. This was a great start to the weekend. Thank you.

[lill]

Thank you for sharing this - an article that is couched in language and terms that are easy to understand. It- very encouraging and let's hope that funding for research is not axed!

To Coco you are SO lucky to be in the hands of Prof.Kayes team at thRM hope you get the trial opportunity. I would recommend anyone offered this chance to grab it with both hands.

Good luck all you bloggers.Lill

[Gina555]

This seems to be the way it goes - steady improvements in treatment, rather than any 'miracle cure'. Many thanks for posting this encouraging article

[Whippit in reply to Gina555]

ah, but one day Gina - there will be a miracle dure. I'm sure it's not so far away. xxxx

[Gina555 in reply to Whippit]

I bet you're right - will all the different research gathering momentum!

xx

[Whippit in reply to Gina555]

oops, I meant miracle cure. It will come I'm sure and we need to have something to keep us cheerful.

xxxx love Annie

[Jan76]

Dear Annie ,

Thank you .... it was most interesting and encouraging too ..

As ever Annie thank you for keeping us posted xxx

Love Jan xx

[Fitzy]

Good article Annie. Things seem to be getting better, both in diagnosis and treatment. I did know about the awareness raising scheduled for the new year as my doctor is on the ball and wants our surgery to do their bit to raise awareness. I have offered my support in any way I can. The Oncology nurses at my hospital are also running an awareness compaign and I'm hoping to get involved in that too. So, lots of good vibes - just wish they could hurry up with a cure!! Anyway, having my surgery on Wednesday so any high energy compaigning will have to wait for a few weeks. Thanks Annie.

Love to all

Colette xxxxxxxx

[Whippit in reply to Fitzy]

Dear Colette

I shall be thinking of you on 12th, and hope you're home soon and feeling fine for Christmas.

Please let me know how it goes. It's a big step but I'm sure it's the right one. Margaret has some really helpful blogs and posts on dealing with this. Perhaps you're been in touch. Always reassuring to have someone to talk it through with.

I hope we hear from you soon to say it's all gone well.

My love to you. xxxx Annie

[Fitzy in reply to Whippit]

Thanks Annie

Will let you know how it goes. I haven't been in touch with Margaret but I'd be grateful for any help and advice I can get.

Love

Colette xxxx

[Archiebanana]

Dear Annie

Thank you so much for posting this encouraging article.

Love Linda xx

[LindaB]

Dear Annie

Very interesting reading... big thank you and printed off article already! Note the time... cant' sleep due to steroids.

Love Linda xxxx

[Whippit in reply to LindaB]

I'm sorry to see you couldn't sleep last night. Could you reduce the steroids. I only had half the standard dose in the end with no ill-effects.

At least your photo was suitable for the middle of the night. xxxx love Annie

[LindaB]

Good news is that I have just taken the last ones this morning, so hopefully I shall get a good nights sleep tonight. Yes, the photo was very appropriate for that time of night... you have put a big smile on my face with your funny comment lol!

I will get around to sorting the photo soon.

Love Linda xx

[Coco]

Thankyou Annie, I meant professor Kaye! Damn computer. And Thankyou Lill for your comments to me, I am very apprehensive of a trial so re assuring to get your thoughts. loads of love xx coco