Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of attending two transformative global cancer meetings: the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) World Cancer Congress. These experiences have left me feeling inspired and also deeply moved. I believe that these gatherings not only highlight advancements in science and advocacy work but also reinforce the very essence of what we stand for—ensuring that no woman is left behind in the fight against ovarian cancer.
“It is remarkable to witness the progress being made in treatments.”
It is remarkable to witness the progress being made in treatments. At ESMO, a Phase 1 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) study offered hope for patients with heavily pretreated ovarian cancer, and promising results from studies on cervical and endometrial cancers were shared. These advances are the latest groundbreaking developments in what has been an exciting few years in gynaecologic oncology. Yet, while these victories are to be celebrated, I feel a profound sense of responsibility. With World Gynaecologic Cancer Day just recently behind us, we must reflect on the importance of continuing to strive for improvements in survival rates and quality of life for all women affected by gynaecological cancers. Our vision, as outlined in our 2023-2028 strategy, is clear: everyone impacted by ovarian cancer must have the best chance of survival, no matter where they live.
“Together we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone”
Beyond the science, what struck me at ESMO was the power of collaboration and partnership. The Patient Advocacy Track united patients, families, oncologists, and healthcare professionals in ways that were, simply put, awe-inspiring. It reinforced for me that together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone. I believe that the strength of our global advocacy community, with its passion and commitment, will continue to be the driving force behind profound change. It is remarkable how this network of advocates and professionals embodies our shared mission: to drive equitable and meaningful change for everyone affected by ovarian cancer.
“The emotion toll of knowing that 91% of [the socioeconomic burden of ovarian cancer] comes from the value of lives lost is something that weighs heavily on me and my colleagues.”
At the UICC World Cancer Congress, the unveiling of our Socioeconomic Burden Study was a significant moment. This study, covering 11 countries, quantified that ovarian cancer results in $70 billion USD in losses each year, touching not just healthcare systems but entire national economies. The emotional toll of knowing that 91% of this burden comes from the value of lives lost is something that weighs heavily on me and my colleagues. We feel an even greater urgency to act, knowing that without intervention, millions of women could be lost to ovarian cancer by 2050. It’s moments like this that remind me why our No Woman Left Behind approach is not just a slogan—it is a commitment to equity, access, and survival for all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location.
Our Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition, from which we presented high level results at UICC, was another profound highlight. The data we’ve gathered from 2,446 women in 22 low- and middle-income countries provides never-before-seen insights into their experiences. It demonstrates in clear terms how deeply inequities affect ovarian cancer care, and how much more we need to do to close these gaps. I look forward with much anticipation to releasing more insights at next month’s International Gynecologic Cancer Society meeting in Dublin. It will be an honour to stand with IGCS colleagues, our partners in this work, as we unveil more from this groundbreaking Study. Both of our studies align with our strategic goal of addressing the gaps in global data and evidence, ensuring that every woman, no matter where she lives, can access rapid diagnosis, the best treatment, and the highest quality of care.
One of the most uplifting moments of the World Cancer Congress was the launch of the Nigerian National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT). It is remarkable to see such a powerful movement take shape in Nigeria. I feel truly optimistic that under NICRAT’s leadership, and with the partnerships we are forging, real and lasting change for ovarian cancer patients in Nigeria is within reach. This, again, shows the power of partnership and collaboration—working together, we can and will create better futures for women facing this disease.
“I am filled with a deep sense of hope and purpose”
As I return to my desk, I am filled with a deep sense of hope and purpose. The insights, the data, and the partnerships we have developed are not just abstract concepts—they are the foundation for real action. I believe that, through our No Woman Left Behind initiative and the strategic pathways outlined in our 2023-2028 plan, we are well-positioned to make significant strides. Together, with our partners, advocates, and supporters, we will ensure that every woman—has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where she lives.
Clara MacKay, CEO
As organisations and individuals we’ve faced considerable challenges over the past few years. Yet, as we approach the final days of 2023, I find myself deeply thankful for the resilience and commitment shown by my colleagues worldwide. Despite ongoing difficulties such as the escalating cost of living, global conflicts, and the impacts of climate change, our ovarian cancer community remains resolute in ensuring that everyone at risk of, or diagnosed with, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and best quality of life possible, no matter where they live.