General News
16 June, 2026
Call for national ovarian cancer screening program
MAREEBA was at the centre of a powerful national challenge last week when world-leading ovarian cancer medical professionals called for an end to the late detection of ovarian cancer.
Internationally recognised ovarian cancer researcher Professor Carlos Salomon-Gallo and clinician and survivor Dr Shabnam Gujadhur, told a public forum and fundraiser event that earlier detection saved lives.
“Every woman and every girl deserves an early detection test,” Dr Gujadhur told the audience in what became a defining message of the event held at the Mareeba International Club on 6 June.
Organised by ovarian cancer campaigner Mareeba Shire councillor Amy Braes, the forum were told that despite being one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers, ovarian cancer still had no reliable screening or early detection test.
As a result, ovarian cancer was often diagnosed in the advanced stages (3 and 4) when the cancer had spread and was harder to treat.
Professor Salomon-Gallo discussed his own acclaimed research into blood-based biomarkers designed to identify ovarian cancer at its earliest stages.
“Our vision is that earlier detection, delivered through an effective ovarian cancer screening program, will transform outcomes for women by enabling timely intervention, improving survival, reducing the burden of disease, and ultimately saving lives,” Professor Salomon-Gallo said.
“Our research is focused on developing accessible tools that can identify ovarian cancer earlier, when treatment is most effective. Every step forward in research brings us closer to a future where fewer women receive a late diagnosis.”
Professor Salomon-Gallo said improving outcomes for women in rural, remote and regional communities was an important part of the challenge.
“Women should not be disadvantaged by where they live. Advances in early detection have the potential to reduce inequities in access and outcomes across Australia.”
The event formed part of Ms Braes’ national fundraising campaign, “Start the chat. Build the buzz. Overcome ovarian cancer”, which aimed to raise $1 million for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) in 12 months.
Ms Braes launched the campaign in May, almost five years to the day after losing her mother, Karen, to ovarian cancer.
“When my Mum was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in April 2016, we knew nothing of the disease – not the signs, not the symptoms, not the stages,” Ms Braes said.
“It is my goal to contribute to a future where women and families are forearmed and empowered to ask more questions, to understand more and to see a massive shift in survival rates.”
“To learn more, follow the campaign, make a donation or get involved, search ‘Amy Braes Start the Chat Build the Buzz’ online.
