does support for ov patients vary regionally ?

[sabbott]

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Hi Sabbott,

Yes I'm afraid it does, there is varying support throughout the country i.e better support in some areas than others...best wishes x G x

[Whippit]

Dear Sabbott

I regret to say it does. Ovacome has just submitted an appeal to Alec Salmon as the Scottish Assembly have decided not to fund Avastin whereas it's available in England. It would seem that treatment is different in various parts of the country and that's why quite a few ladies go for a second opinion at hospitals such as the Royal Marsden. There are also Centres of Excellence for Ovarian Cancer in England.

In some ways it's difficult to make a judgement as there are so many different types of Ovarian Cancer. What is reassuring is how quickly new methods are adopted. Quite recently there have been trials in Japan giving dose-dense Taxol weekly which was found on average to prolong the expected remission of patients. Having said that I understand that the Japanese are sensitive to chemotherapy - but it's been successful in that trial and is now being offered in various centres across the UK, and from what I gather from a member on this site in Israel too.

There are a couple of blogs over the last year which look at regional differences. Look for a blog Which NHS What treatment? and there was a recent blog about reviewing hospitals.

I'm not sure whether this is reassuring or not. I guess it depends where you live!?

love Annie

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I am not quite sure whether your question is for support or treatment either way they do vary

[wendydee]

Hi! The best place to ask would be the Ovacome website, ovacome.org.uk I think. The organisation set up a support network (ROCCs) a few years ago, for support. The office there will have a list of ROCCs -Regional Ovarian Cancer Co-ordinators, like me, who help with co-ordinating support, awareness raisisng and fundraisiing initiatives in their area. As for treatment, the office would possibly help you to find your nearest Centre of Excellence.

All the best,

Love Wendy xx