Researchers calling time on ovarian cancer

Born from incredible loss, a special friendship between Dubbo farmer Brian Schloeffel and Professor Pradeep Tanwar is helping to spread awareness about ovarian cancer and the potentially life-changing early detection test that researchers at the University of Newcastle’s Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases are developing.

It only took three dances for Brian Schloeffel to know that he would marry Nola Giddings. Brian and Nola were married 49 years, a milestone reached just two weeks before ovarian cancer claimed the love of his life. She was 69. Desperate to make a difference, Brian and his sons have been raising awareness about ovarian cancer through local media and community groups; a heartfelt mission that led them to Professor Tanwar.

Alongside a 35-strong team of researchers, Professor Tanwar is dedicated to improving the health of women through innovative research that informs better healthcare. This includes ovarian cancer which has deservedly earned a reputation as a ruthless, silent killer, and the deadliest of all gynaecological cancers.

If a woman is diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer, her chance of survival is high. However, 75 percent of patients are diagnosed when the cancer has already spread. The frustration for families like the Schloeffels, is that ovarian cancer has no early detection test available – yet.

We don't need to accept that we lose 1,000 women in Australia every year to ovarian cancer who are dying because healthcare is unable to protect them. We want to be able to save women’s lives and it’s people like Brian who inspire us to keep going.”
- Professor Pradeep Tanwar, Director, Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases

Getting closer to an early detection tool

Over the past six years, and with significant philanthropic and industry support, Centre researchers have discovered and patented a blood-based biomarker test targeted at the detection and risk categorisation of early-stage ovarian cancer. The team has validated the ultrasensitive test in 500 women with 90 percent accuracy. The five-year objective is to launch the ovarian cancer early detection tool for community use.

Your generous support is saving lives

Thank you to everyone who donates to Professor Pradeep Tanwar’s ovarian cancer research.

If you would like to support vital research to save and improve the lives of women with ovarian cancer, please visit newcastle.edu.au/donate

To learn more about how our researchers are on the cusp of calling time for ovarian cancer, click here.

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