In the UK, March is dedicated to raising awareness of ovarian cancer, encouraging recognition of symptoms, and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and equitable, person-centred care. The month provides an important opportunity to amplify the voices of those affected, reduce stigma, and strengthen efforts across primary care and research to improve outcomes.
Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a “silent disease,” yet many people experience symptoms that are persistent, frequent, and impactful. These symptoms can be vague and easily mistaken for less serious conditions, contributing to delays in diagnosis. Improving awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals is critical to supporting earlier investigation and timely referral.
The SPCR has funded research projects that advocate for better care and support for people affected by cancer. These projects reflect our commitment to evidence-based improvements that enhance quality of life, inform care pathways, and address inequalities in access, diagnosis, and outcomes.
Examples of SPCR-supported and related research where people have been central include:
NEWS: New personalised risk score could improve ovarian cancer detection. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have developed and validated ‘Ovatools’, a new clinical tool that could help GPs detect ovarian cancer earlier and improve outcomes cost-effectively. NIHR School for Primary Care Research (Grant no 629), PI: Garth Funston
PROJECT: The feasibility of risk-based triage for ovarian cancer using age-specific thresholds: a qualitative interview study with general practitioners. NIHR School for Primary Care Research (Grant no 753), PI: Kirsten Arendse
CASE STUDY: Providing long-term support to improve cancer diagnosis. Two of the first grants funded by the SPCR when it was founded in 2006 supported the CAPER-O and CAPER-C studies led by Willie Hamilton, who was then at the University of Bristol and now Professor of Primary Care Diagnostics at the University of Exeter. These studies examined which symptoms were most likely to be linked to ovarian and colorectal cancers. This work directly informed NICE guidelines for recognising and referring suspected cancer.
Through continued collaboration with patients, clinicians, and researchers, the SPCR remains committed to improving early detection, strengthening care pathways, and ensuring that research addresses what matters most to those affected by ovarian cancer.