A new report highlights the overwhelming economic and societal cost of ovarian cancer in Australia.
Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) today highlights new figures revealing the A$3.8 billion annual impact of ovarian cancer on the Australian economy. This data, part of the Socioeconomic Burden Study led by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC), shows that 90% of the total economic cost is attributed to the loss of life. If no significant changes are made by 2050, 8 million women worldwide are projected to die from ovarian cancer.
The findings emphasise the severe economic burden of the disease, reinforcing OCA’s advocacy for increased investment in research, treatment, and care. The economic cost extends beyond financial loss, impacting wages, caregiving, and the societal effects of these women’s absence.
The WOCC, in partnership with the WHO Cancer Programme and leveraging data from the Every Woman StudyTM 2024, conducted this first-of-its-kind multi-country study on the socio-economic costs of ovarian cancer.
Key findings for Australia include an annual healthcare expenditure of A$271 million, accounting for 0.1% of total healthcare spending. Productivity losses total A$20.3 million each year, with over 61,000 workdays lost. Informal caregiving costs A$48.6 million annually, and ovarian cancer results in the loss of 20,467 years of life each year.
Debbie Shiell, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, said:
“We know the devastating impact this disease has on women, families, communities, and the country. Now, for the first time, OCA is part of a global study that provides numerical evidence to support this. Australians lose $3.8 billion every year in economic contributions that these women would have made had they not died early from this disease. This is an urgent call to make ovarian cancer a national priority.”
OCA is committed to advancing its advocacy efforts by leveraging these insights to influence policy and drive meaningful action to improve care and support for those affected by ovarian cancer. The findings underscore the urgent need for ovarian cancer to be prioritised within national cancer control programs, as well as ensuring timely access to genetic testing for women at risk.
In addition to its ongoing advocacy for systemic change, OCA provides vital care and support to women and their families facing ovarian cancer today. OCA’s Teal Support Program delivers expert clinical, psychological, practical, and emotional support to women and their families at every stage of their ovarian cancer experience — from diagnosis to survivorship or through to the end of life. OCA’s Teal Support Programs offer tailored, person-centered care across Australia, ensuring that no woman faces ovarian cancer alone.
FINDING THE HER2 LOW PATIENT: A PODCAST WITH PROF. FRAN BOYLE AND DR. SANJEEV KUMAR
Jennifer Hume, a single mother at the time and a healthcare professional, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in 2019. “The impact of ovarian cancer goes far beyond me. It affected my family, my work as a healthcare professional, and my local community. This report highlights just how devastating the disease is — not only in terms of lives lost but also its economic and emotional toll. We need more action, more support, and more awareness,” said Jenn, reflecting on the findings of the new report.
With the number of Australians affected by ovarian cancer expected to rise by 2032, OCA is calling
on policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to prioritise ovarian cancer in national health
programs. The data from this report will drive OCA’s ongoing efforts for greater research
investment, improved access to early detection, and a national focus on ovarian cancer.
“Our work is far from over,” said Shiell. “The insights from this report will add weight to our ongoing efforts to prioritise investment in ovarian cancer. We must see this disease as a national priority and take urgent action to reduce the burden ovarian cancer has on Australian women and families.”
