It will help reach an additional 800 women from local communities.
The Australian Government has provided an additional A$2 million (US$1.4 million) to Ovarian Cancer Australia, an independent non-profit organization, to maintain the provision of mental health telehealth services for patients with ovarian cancer.
BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT
Last year in Australia about 1,700 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 1,000 died from the disease. With a low 5-year survival rate of less than 50% and a recurrence rate of up to 70%, four out of 10 women with ovarian cancer experience clinical anxiety or depression, according to the OCA.
Additional funding from the government, the group said, will help them continue to offer mental health telemedicine support services through their Teal Support Program through fiscal 2023-2024.
This program employs OB/GYN and oncology nurses who are trained to counsel and support people with ovarian cancer from diagnosis through follow-up care. Its goal is to "ensure continuity of care, improved access to support and improved quality of life for all women with ovarian cancer," the organization said.
Since its launch in 2019, it has helped more than 400 women. With your latest funds, you can support another 800 women, mainly from the region. Currently, more than a quarter of women in rural communities have accessed its telehealth services.
THE BIGGEST TREND
The funding comes on top of the A$62.5 million (US$45 million) the federal government has invested in ovarian cancer research since 2012 through the National Health and Medical Research Council. Almost AUD 21 million (US$15 million) has also been awarded by the Medical Research Future Fund for ovarian cancer research projects since 2015.
In addition to telemedicine, the government also supports women with ovarian cancer by subsidizing some drugs under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Last year, the company spent more than $30 million to provide life-saving drugs to treat ovarian cancer, including Lynparza (olaparib).
In other regional news, the Bethune Charitable Foundation, a Chinese non-profit organization, recently used a patient management system from health technology provider Zhongchao to support its project to help ovarian cancer patients get treatment. The platform records, tracks and displays various signs of a patient's body and illness throughout their medication.
IN THE REGISTRATION
“For some women, the psychological effects of ovarian cancer can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. The Teal Support Program offers a truly holistic approach to treatment that includes emotional support for women and their loved ones, counseling on managing symptoms, and guidance through Aspects Treatment and Crisis Support," said OCA Chief Executive Jane Hill.
"The government funding will ensure that we can maintain the momentum and scale of this important program. Not only will this improve the lives of many women with ovarian cancer and their families, but it will also help ease the burden on the healthcare system." accessible and immediate support for women in need," she added.
