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We are pleased to share important news for our global community. A major new international study, “Experiences of Women with Ovarian Cancer in 22 Low- and Middle- Income Countries (Every Woman Study™ LMIC): a Cross-sectional Study,” was published today in the The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, providing the first comprehensive picture of the lived experiences of women with ovarian cancer in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), where 70% of those diagnosed with the disease live.
This peer-reviewed publication is a major milestone for this study. The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, is one of the most influential platforms in women’s health, meaning these findings will reach a broad global audience of clinicians, researchers, and decision-makers dedicated to improving women’s health. This visibility directly supports IGCS’s mission to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and highlight the urgent challenges faced by women in low- and middle-income countries.
This landmark study — a joint initiative of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society — is informed by the experiences of women with ovarian cancer across 22 low- and middle-income countries. More than 2,400 women participated, offering critical insights into awareness, access to care, financial hardship, and diagnostic delays. These findings will help inform global, national, and local efforts to advance equity in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
We are especially proud that IGCS members played a central role in making this work possible, including the newly appointed IGCS Advocacy Committee Vice Chair, Dr. Tracey Adams, who co-chaired the study’s Oversight Committee.
IGCS remains committed to amplifying the voices of women worldwide and strengthening the evidence needed to drive meaningful policy change. We value our strategic advocacy partnership with the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition in making this collaborative work possible. Thank you to all IGCS members, partners, and advocates whose expertise, leadership, and dedication contributed to this milestone.
Learn even more about this landmark study
PODCAST: Listen to this episode of the podcast, “Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story” where host Hannah Vaughan Jones speaks with World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Study Lead Frances Reid, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet, Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health, Sonia Muliyil, and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Aisha Mustapha as they discuss the EWS-LMIC and the power of high quality data and evidence to impact ovarian cancer at the country level.
REPORT: Today, the Every Woman Study™ LMIC Edition Report was also released, providing additional insights and data from the study as well as clear, actionable steps that countries can take immediately. This includes data on access barriers, genetic testing and targeted treatments, and route and time to diagnosis.
BLOG: Read this blog featuring Frances Reid, Study lead for the Every Woman Study - LMIC and Director of Programmes at the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, who explains why this study is unique and so needed.
Sincerely,
Mary Eiken, MS
IGCS CEO