Ovarian Cancer
In 2020 over 300,000 women worldwide were diagnosed with ovarian cancer.1 It most commonly occurs in postmenopausal women and is rare in women under 40 years of age.2
Possible treatment options for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy and supportive care.2
Survival rates continue to improve,3 and a significant number of clinical trials are currently underway assessing newer therapies for patients suffering from ovarian cancer.4
Cancer patients in South Africa often face high out-of-pocket medical costs.5 These extra costs can prevent or delay access to important medical care.5 Recommendations to remedy this include encouraging the state, the private health sector and other health providers to implement measures to minimize financial challenges.5
One of the priorities of the National Cancer Strategic Framework for South Africa is to improve access to treatment by reducing financial, geographic, logistical and socio-cultural barriers.5
Sandoz South Africa has a growing portfolio of generic oncology medications, including products currently listed for the treatment of ovarian cancer on the WHO List of Essential Medicines and in the South African Council for Medical Schemes’ Prescribed Minimum Benefits Guidelines.2,6,7
We are committed to improving both affordability and access to high-quality generic medications for South African cancer patients and healthcare providers.7
Globocan 2020. Ovarian Cancer: Global. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Dec 2020
Final PMB Definition Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer. Council for Medical Schemes. 15 Apr 2019
Wu J, Sun H, Yang L, et al. Improved Survival in Ovarian Cancer, with Widening Survival Gaps of Races and Socioeconomic Status: A Period Analysis, 1983-2012. J Cancer. 2018;9(19):3548-3556. doi:10.7150/jca.26300
McMullen M, Karakasis K, Rottapel R, et al. Advances in Ovarian Cancer, from Biology to Treatment. Nat Cancer. 2021;2(1):6-8. doi:10.1038/s43018-020-00166-5
Department of Health, Republic of South Africa. National Cancer Strategic Framework for South Africa 2017 – 2022
WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines: Adults [Online]. World Health Organization. Cited 31 Aug 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/groups/expert-committee-on-selection-and-use-of-essential-medicines/essential-medicines-lists
Sandoz SA (Pty) Ltd. Data on File. Sandoz Oncology. Closer to Solutions. 2021