Ovarian cancer remains one of the most under-recognised and under-funded cancers affecting women in New Zealand. Nearly half of diagnoses are made in emergency situations — double the rate seen in Australia — and outcomes for Māori and Pacific wāhine are significantly worse. Despite this, there is no dedicated government funding for ovarian cancer awareness. 

That’s why organisations like the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ) are so important. They provide information, support and advocacy for women and their whānau, while also funding research and working to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms and improve outcomes for women across New Zealand. 

The Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ had its beginnings in 2018 when Jane Ludemann, our Founder, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Like many women in Aotearoa Jane was diagnosed in an emergency department of a hospital. Recognising the need for change and the importance of connection amongst women, the research community and the opportunity to build international networks she established the organisation.

Now, eight years later, we’re focussed on improving cancer care today while funding transformational research to find tomorrow’s cure. Our work focuses across four pillars of advocacy, awareness , support and research. We have advisory committees supporting us in this work – with women with lived experience on a committee, family members with lived experience on another committee and a Medical Scientific advisory panel also working to support us.