About the OCRF

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) was established in May 2000 and led by eminent gynaecological oncology specialist, Chairman/Co-Founder Associate Professor Thomas Jobling and CEO/Co-Founder Liz Heliotis.

It has developed to become one of Australia’s pre-eminent bodies supporting ovarian cancer research programs that occur nationally, and are focused upon the understanding of the causes of ovarian cancer, its early detection and improving patient survival.

A gynaecological cancer, cancer of the ovaries is one of the most common cancers affecting women and is often detected in the advanced stage of the disease, resulting in a high mortality rate. This is because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are not recognised immediately. Once diagnosed, treatment will usually include surgery and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis.

One goal of the OCRF is to improve the mortality rate and long-term survival rates for ovarian cancer. This may be achieved by the development of an early detection program, which is the focus of much of the ovarian cancer fundraising activities of the OCRF and by raising community awareness.