OVARIAN CANCER CANADA/CANCER DE L'OVAIRE CANADA

Research: Investing in pan-Canadian and patient-centered research across the full continuum of ovarian cancer from prevention to diagnosis to treatment to survivorship. Our research investments are enabling discoveries by establishing and growing key national scientific resources such as gold-standard ovarian cancer models patient tissue banks biorepositories and a rare tumours database. Ovarian Cancer Canada is maximizing impact through discovery pre-clinical and clinical research and transforming lives through supporting interventional and pragmatic/real-world clinical trials. Influence health system improvements: design and lead research initiatives (including the upcoming Canadian Experiences of Ovarian Cancer; research projects funded through the Ovarian Cancer Prevention Task Force Support for individuals living with ovarian cancer: • Offer education programs and provide information resources so that individuals living with ovarian cancer and those at high risk of developing the disease are empowered with the confidence knowledge and resources needed to be active and integrated participants in their care so they can make informed decisions that are aligned with their needs and values. • Provide and facilitate safe and inclusive opportunities for individuals living with ovarian cancer and those at high risk of developing the disease to connect and engage with others so they may feel less isolated and distressed a sense of collective strength and ultimately an improved quality of life.

To enhance ovarian cancer disease management through increased patient engagement and integration in their care OCC focused on developing new resources in order to broaden awareness and understanding of ovarian cancer encompassing risk factors prevention symptoms detection treatments and survivorship care. Understanding Ovarian Cancer: A Comprehensive Patient Guide – Developed by OCC in close partnership with a team of experts and those diagnosed this free guide supports and informs ovarian cancer patients and their loved ones at every stage of their ovarian cancer experience. At over 230 pages print and electronic versions of these English and French guides can be ordered at https://ovariancanada.org/resources/support-resources Cancer centres across Canada have been provided with bookmarks with QR codes so ovarian cancer patients can receive the Guide when they need it most; at the time of diagnosis. Talking to Your Family Doctor About Ovarian Cancer - Ovarian cancer is a relatively rare cancer. There is no effective screening test no reliable diagnostic test and no 'red-flag' symptoms. Considering these challenges it can be difficult for patients to have an effective conversation with their family doctor. OCC developed a worksheet designed to help people identify and record their risk factors symptoms and family history so they can review this information with their primary care provider and make the best decisions possible about their care. There are opportunities to adapt this worksheet to individuals’ unique values preferences and experiences including conversation prompts related to: sexual trauma gender identity Indigenous culture learning styles and geographical distance from care. Talking to Your Doctor About Clinical Trials – This worksheet was developed to provide ovarian cancer patients with guidance on discussing clinical trials with their oncologists. It can be downloaded at https://ovariancanada.org/resources/talk-to-your-doctor-about-clinical-trials and used at appointments. This tool details the basics of a clinical trial and provides some questions patients can ask when speaking to their doctor. In addition to this worksheet a variety of companion resources have been developed and can be found on OCC’s website to help explain and dispel myths regarding clinical trials including Clinical Trial FAQ: The Basics; Finding a Clinical Trial; Is a Clinical Trial Right for You; and Participating in a Clinical Trial