The Battle Against Ovarian Cancer: A Sydney Mum’s Fight for Survival
A Sydney mother, Vanja Wilson, found herself facing a daunting diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer at the young age of 39. Her journey began with a seemingly innocuous symptom – a golf ball-sized lump on her abdomen that was dismissed as scar tissue from previous caesarean sections. However, this initial misdiagnosis set off a chain of events that would change Wilson’s life forever.
A Late Diagnosis and Aggressive Treatment
- Despite her GP’s initial reassurances, Wilson’s persistence led to further testing, revealing the presence of ovarian cancer that had already reached stage 4, spreading to other parts of her body.
- A grueling six-hour surgery followed by 16 weeks of chemotherapy became Wilson’s reality as she fought against the aggressive disease.
- Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is often detected at advanced stages, with about 70% of women facing a late diagnosis, leading to lower survival rates.
The Financial Toll of Treatment
- Desperate to improve her chances of survival, Wilson turned to a drug called Zejula, known to delay the return of cancer but comes with a hefty price tag.
- To fund this life-saving medication, Wilson made the difficult decision to tap into her superannuation, emphasizing the stark choice between financial security and survival.
- The limitations of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidies often leave women like Wilson at a disadvantage, struggling to access crucial treatments.
Advancements in Ovarian Cancer Research
Despite the challenges she faced, Wilson remained committed to raising funds for ovarian cancer research, contributing to initiatives led by Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo at the University of Queensland.
- Professor Gallo’s groundbreaking work on a blood test, known as OCRF-7, has shown promising results in identifying early-stage ovarian cancer with over 90% accuracy.
- This test, which detects exosomes released from tumor cells, could revolutionize early detection and potentially serve as a future screening tool for the Australian population.
- With ongoing support from the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and government grants, Professor Gallo aims to make this test widely available within the next few years.
Raising Awareness and Urgency
Wilson’s personal battle with ovarian cancer has shed light on the urgent need for improved screening methods and access to effective treatments.
- With five women diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day in Australia and a significantly lower survival rate compared to other cancers, the stakes are high.
- Wilson’s advocacy for her own health and the future well-being of her daughters underscores the importance of early detection and proactive measures.
Conclusion
Vanja Wilson’s courageous journey against ovarian cancer serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by women battling this disease. Through her advocacy, fundraising efforts, and unwavering determination, she highlights the crucial need for increased research, access to innovative treatments, and early detection methods. The ongoing work of researchers like Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo offers hope for a future where ovarian cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and survival rates are significantly improved.
FAQs
What is the current survival rate for ovarian cancer?
The average five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 49%, significantly lower than breast cancer (92%) and cervical cancer (74%).
How is Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo’s blood test OCRF-7 revolutionizing ovarian cancer detection?
Professor Gallo’s blood test, OCRF-7, has shown over 90% accuracy in identifying early-stage ovarian cancer, offering a promising tool for early detection and potential screening programs in the future.