Reports

Read our reports on the different issues affecting ovarian cancer treatment, diagnosis and support.

We investigate and report on regional variation, access to treatment and recommendations for improving the services that look after women with ovarian cancer. We also cover issues such as awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and women's experience of treatment.

2022 – Data briefing on achieving excellence in ovarian cancer care

In our latest data briefing, we analysed recent government data in England on:

  • how quickly women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed and start treatment
  • the variation in diagnosis by age and ethnicity
  • the completeness of data available

Read: 'Data briefing 2022: achieving excellence in ovarian cancer care' [PDF] 

2020 – Voices of women with ovarian cancer: the coronavirus pandemic and its impact

Our latest report outlines the significant impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on women with ovarian cancer. We heard from women who are worried about visiting their GP with symptoms, who have had their treatment disrupted and who are coping with the mental and emotional impact of being advised to shield.

In the report, we set out our recommendations for UK governments to ensure diagnosis, treatment and support are returned to pre-pandemic levels as quickly as possible.

Read: 'Voices of women with ovarian cancer: the coronavirus pandemic and its impact' [PDF]. 

2020 – Time is running out: the need for early diagnosis in ovarian cancer

Target Ovarian Cancer's report outlines the delays that women with ovarian cancer can face in getting a diagnosis. The report highlights four areas where UK governments must act now to ensure that every woman is diagnosed as early as possible. We want to see: an end to the postcode lottery, ovarian cancer symptoms awareness campaigns, every GP trained on ovarian cancer and a shorter diagnostic pathway.   

Read 'Time is running out' [PDF]

2019 – Regional variation in early diagnosis of ovarian cancer

In Target Ovarian Cancer's second data briefing, we analysed new government data on the stage at which women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and how this varies across the country. The government set a target that 75 per cent of all cancers should be diagnosed at stage I or II by 2028. This briefing looks at the picture for ovarian cancer and what needs to change. Please note, everyone's experience of ovarian cancer is different and it's not possible to draw conclusions about an individual's diagnosis and treatment from these kind of figures.

Read the data briefing for regional variation in early diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2019 [PDF]

Read our appendix for the 2019 regional variation report [PDF], which includes information on the percentage of women diagnosed with stage I or II ovarian cancer for every Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in England.

2018 – Data briefing on ovarian cancer

In Target Ovarian Cancer's first data briefing, we analysed government data on ovarian cancer, including routes to diagnosis, different types of tumour and treatment. 

Read our data briefing for ovarian cancer in 2018 [PDF]

2018 – Diagnosing ovarian cancer sooner: what more can be done

The first report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Ovarian Cancer shared the findings of its inquiry into early diagnosis. Alongside written evidence submissions, two oral evidence sessions heard from expert witnesses including Professor Chris Harrison, National Clinical Director for Cancer, NHS England, and Professor Anne Mackie, Director of Screening, Public Health England. 

Read the APPG on Ovarian Cancer report 'Diagnosing ovarian cancer sooner' [PDF]

2017 – GP Advisory Board report on regional variation

This report from our GP Advisory Board looked at differences in the numbers of CA125 blood tests ordered, the time taken to complete non-obstetric ultrasounds, stage at diagnosis and one year survival rates for different parts of England. 
 
Read the report on regional variation in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in England [PDF]

2015 – The Ovarian Cancer Postcode Lottery

While cancer doesn't discriminate according to postcode, Target Ovarian Cancer research in 2015 found that women's awareness of the symptoms, access to clinical trials and likelihood of surviving ovarian cancer can vary hugely according to where they live.

Read the report on the ovarian cancer postcode lottery [PDF]