In this issue...
- Latest ovarian cancer statistics released
- Report to the Nation: Ovarian Cancer 2010
- New online tool assesses family history of breast and ovarian cancer
- World Cancer Day – 4 February
- Does your breast diagnostic service meet NBOCC’s standard of care?
- In the News: Anti-depressants and the effectiveness of tamoxifen
- Recent Research: service for health professionals
- Staff news
Latest ovarian cancer statistics released
On Teal Ribbon Day (24 February), National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) launched the latest statistical report on ovarian cancer in Australia, developed in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Ovarian cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010, provides a comprehensive nationwide snapshot of ovarian cancer, including the latest data on incidence, mortality, survival and prevalence. The report not only builds on previous monitoring reports but additionally provides data about the burden of disease due to ovarian cancer, as well as survival from ovarian cancer by Indigenous status and by histology types.
The data contained within Ovarian cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010 provides insight into areas of significant gain over time and helps to identify where further research and targeted strategies may be required to further improve ovarian cancer outcomes. Importantly, the data ensures health professionals, policy makers, researchers and health service providers have evidence-based information to inform future planning for services and patient needs.
Ovarian cancer in Australia: an overview, 2010 is available to download here.
Report to the Nation: Ovarian Cancer 2010
To coincide with the release of the latest statistical report on ovarian cancer in Australia, NBOCC has developed a Report to the Nation: Ovarian cancer 2010, which provides a comprehensive picture of current knowledge about ovarian cancer.
Report to the Nation: Ovarian cancer 2010 brings together in one user-friendly online document: an overview of key ovarian cancer statistics, an
update on current research in ovarian cancer, information about risk factors for ovarian cancer, and also dispels some common ovarian cancer myths.
The report is a valuable resource to inform the community and media about advances in ovarian cancer control. To download the Report to the Nation: Ovarian Cancer 2010, click here. For more information about the report, contact
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(Ph: 02 9357 9413).
New online tool assesses family history of breast and ovarian cancer
NBOCC has developed a new online tool to assist general practitioners and other health professionals in assessing a woman’s risk of ovarian or breast cancer based on family history.
The Familial Risk Assessment - Breast and Ovarian Cancer tool will assist health professionals in identifying women who should be referred to a family cancer clinic for further assessment and advice, while reassuring the majority of women they are not at increased risk for ovarian or breast cancer based on their family history.
The online tool takes a doctor and patient through a maximum of eight questions, collecting information about both sides of the family. Based on the answers supplied, the tool categorises a woman’s risk of developing ovarian or breast cancer and provides management options based on the risk level.
The online tool does not collect personal contact details of the patient or doctor, so women can be assured of their privacy.
The Familial Risk Assessment - Breast and Ovarian Cancer tool can be accessed online at www.nbocc.org.au/fraboc. For more information about the tool, contact
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(Ph: 02 9357 9413).
World Cancer Day – 4 February
NBOCC supported the International Union Against Cancer’s (UICC) theme of ‘Prevention’ on World Cancer Day (4 February) by reminding Australian women of some simple lifestyle changes they can make to reduce their breast cancer risk. Click here to read NBOCC’s media release.
Does your breast diagnostic service meet NBOCC’s standard of care?
NBOCC’s online tool to assist breast diagnostic services to self-assess their practices against NBOCC’s Standard of care for breast diagnostic services is now available. Click here for more information or to complete the assessment online.
In the News: Anti-depressants and the effectiveness of tamoxifen
On 9 February, research published in the British Medical Journal examined the impact of a particular class of anti-depressants on the effectiveness of tamoxifen, prompting media coverage on the issue.
The researchers investigated whether the class of anti-depressants known as selective serotonin re-update inhibitors (SSRIs) interfere with the breast cancer treatment tamoxifen. The population-based cohort study indicates that a certain SSRI, paroxetine, used at the same time as tamoxifen, impairs the effectiveness of tamoxifen. Click here to read NBOCC’s comment on this research.
Recent Research: service for health professionals
Recent Research, a service for health professionals highlighting the latest breast and ovarian cancer research of interest or significance, is now available on NBOCC’s website.
Click here to view the latest Recent Research and to subscribe for an email alert.
Staff News
NBOCC is pleased to welcome Rebecca Strath in the role of Business Services Administrator.