Decades of critical underinvestment in gynaecological cancers have cost women's lives - a once-in-a-generation initiative launches to drive urgently needed change
Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG)
MEDIA RELEASE
A landmark Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative and report has confirmed that decades of critical underinvestment in gynaecological cancer research have had devastating consequences for Australian women. The evidence-based initiative sets out a national research program to revolutionise the diagnosis, treatment, and care pathway for women with gynaecological cancers to improve survival rates and save lives.
For nearly 20 years, gynaecological cancers have been among the most underfunded cancer types—despite being one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women. As a result, survival rates for these cancers have stagnated, with outcomes comparable to those of all cancers in 1975. Gynaecological cancers remain among the most lethal cancers for women today.
A Hidden Crisis for Women
Every day in Australia, 19 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer—including uterine (endometrial), ovarian, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers—with diagnoses expected to surge by 21% over the next 10 years. Unlike other cancers and chronic diseases, gynaecological cancers often progress silently, remaining undetected until they reach advanced, incurable stages.
More than half (55%) of all gynaecological cancers are classified as rare or less common, with limited research, treatment options and no early detection tests (excluding cervical cancer) – all contributing to some of the poorest cancer survival outcomes for women.
Women living with gynaecological cancer are raising their voices, saying “enough is enough” and demanding the action they have been denied for too long. “We have been left behind for decades. We are tired of the silence, the inaction, and the lack of investment in cancer research, taking the lives of thousands of women every year. Enough is enough. We deserve better,” said Ali Crawford, living with uterine cancer.
Saving Women’s Lives
Every day, more than six women lose their lives to gynaecological cancers in Australia—that is, 2,500 women annually. The crisis is exacerbated by inequities faced by women in regional, rural, and remote areas, those from lower socioeconomic and diverse backgrounds, including First Nations women.
The human toll extends far beyond the individual, affecting families and communities. Over the next decade, more than 42,900 children will lose their mothers to gynaecological cancers.
Professor Clare Scott AM, Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) Chair, reinforced the urgent need for action. “For too long, gynaecological cancers have been overlooked and underfunded, leaving women with limited treatment options and unacceptable survival rates. These are not just statistics—they are our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends... we must do better”.
A United and Urgent Call for Change
For the first time, leading gynaecological cancer organisations—Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA), the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), and Omico—have joined forces with clinical and pre-clinical researchers and women with lived experience to develop the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative (GCTI).
”The survival rates for gynaecological cancers have barely changed in decades. That fact alone should be a wake up call. We know that the answers are there – they lie in research and in better understanding of women’s bodies and women’s pain. To reveal them we need appropriate and proportionate investment. The OCRF is proud to partner in the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative and join women across Australia to call for urgent funding that will save lives from gynaecological cancers, including ovarian – now, and for generations to come.” said Robin Penty, OCRF’s Chief Executive Officer.
A Once-In-A-Generation National Initiative to End the Crisis
The Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative brings three key and interdependent areas of focus:
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The woman’s journey: equitable access to optimal personalised treatment and improved survival, with specialist supportive care.
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The clinical team: delivering timely care that is driven by innovative application of technology, research & data.
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The research community: a framework for coordinating and integrating gynaecological cancer research for rapid translation into new treatment solutions (bench to bedside).
Six Transformational Priorities to Save Women’s Lives
To create lasting impact, the initiative focuses on six transformational priorities:
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Expanding Access to Molecular Profiling and Precision Medicine – Ensuring more women receive personalised treatments.
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Clinician Education and Outreach – Addressing knowledge gaps to provide best-practice care across Australia.
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National Gynaecological Cancer Data Portal and Virtual Biobank – Creating a shared national resource to drive research.
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Transforming Gynaecological Cancer Research – Expanding clinical trials and drug repurposing to bring new treatments to women faster.
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Specialist Psychosocial Support Services – Closing critical gaps in emotional and mental health support.
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Robust Governance and Implementation – Coordinating a national approach for long-term impact.
A Call to Action: The Time for Change Is Now
Cancer advocate Alex Neville reinforced the urgency: “This initiative is about investing in research, making life-saving treatment accessible for all women, no matter their background or postcode.”
The launch of the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative marks the beginning of a unified national movement to end decades of neglect and drive real change for Australian women. The collaborative efforts of industry, community and key stakeholders in government will pave the way for a future where all women have equitable access to life-saving treatment and care. The Initiative is designed to align with the Australian Government’s Australian Cancer Plan and the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control.
”The Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative is a groundbreaking and exciting opportunity to reshape the future of women’s health in Australia. It represents a critical moment to secure the urgent funding and policy commitments needed to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and care of all women, including those with ovarian cancers. Through collaboration and innovation, we are dedicated to ensuring more equitable access to effective and affordable treatments for women facing gynaecological cancers,” said Debbie Shiell, OCA’s Chief Executive Officer.
A $100 million commitment is sought from the Australian Government over four years, including targeted research funding, to action this initiative and save women’s lives.
"We cannot afford to wait any longer. For women diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, this is literally a life-or-death crisis. The Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative marks a turning point—one that will save lives and give hope to thousands of women and their families," Professor Clare Scott AM, ANZGOG Chair, added. - ENDS -
Contact details:
Monique Cerreto
M: 0416 282464
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Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative
