The Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study
The Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study maps the experience of those living or working with ovarian cancer in the UK.
This groundbreaking study was undertaken for the first time in 2009. It has had a very important impact on the work of the charity and in terms of informing policy makers, leading to positive steps being taken to improve the survival and quality of life of women affected by the disease.
You can read about the results of the first phase of the study here. It was instrumental in us:
- developing new supportive services for women with ovarian cancer such as our Being Together events and our Finding My New Normal and Let's Talk training courses
- developing an accredited awareness measurement tool for ovarian cancer, collaborating with other charities
- highlighting the lack of access to diagnostic ultrasound for GPs. This is now being address by the Government as part of its Improving Outcomes - a Cancer Strategy
- developing our award winning online educational tool for GPs in association with BMJ Learning
- supporting the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist through campaigning
- informing development of the NICE Clinical Guidance on the 'recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer'
- undertaking a feasibility study on international benchmarking that has since fed in to the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership Study set up by the Department of Health
From the outset we were clear this was not a one off research project, and that they Study would be repeated in order to measure progress on key issues, and identify new opportunities to overcome the barriers to improved survival and quality of life.
The second phase of the Study is now underway. Please return to these pages for updates on its progress. It will report in 2012. If you are interested in being involved please contact us by email.
The study will involve surveys amongst the following groups
- women in the general population
- women with ovarian cancer
- General Practitioners
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Clinicians
The value of the study
“Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in women, with low survival rates that have changed little over the past twenty years. There is so much that can be done to improve this situation and to give women with ovarian cancer across the UK the highest possible quality of life. I applaud Target Ovarian Cancer for its strategic approach to understanding and tackling this disease, through the Pathfinder Study, and for providing substantial new funds to combat this disease”.
- Professor Sir Kenneth Calman PhD MD FRCS FRCP
“I wish Target Ovarian Cancer well in its important work. Ovarian cancer is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat, and it is essential that we continue to work together at every stage of the disease. Groups such as Target Ovarian Cancer can help drive forward progress in improving the accuracy of referrals, access to diagnostic tests and caring for women living with the disease”.
- Dr Sarah Jarvis GP, and RCGP Spokesperson on Women’s Health
