To mark International Women’s Day, ANZGOG celebrates the women leading gynaecological cancer research in a Q&A with Professor Anna deFazio and Associate Professor Caroline Ford
Professor Linda Mileshkin and Associate Professor Caroline Ford
This year, the world is celebrating under the International Women’s Day theme, #BreakTheBias ‘Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against Bias. Take action against equality’
It is a theme that recognises the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are working to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future. A theme that recognises the collective of fearless women at ANZGOG leading the way to improving the lives of women through gynaecological cancer research.
In focus of the theme, ANZGOG asks Professor Anna deFazio and Associate Professor Caroline Ford about the achievements they have seen from women in the gynaecological cancer research space and how we can collectively take action to promote equality in the space of gynaecological research.
What achievements have you seen in the gynaecological cancer research space from women?
“So many women have contributed to advancements in gynae cancer research in Australia in my time that it is difficult to mention them all. However, there are at least three groups that immediately come to mind.
“So many women have contributed to advancements in gynae cancer research in Australia”
The first are our patients. Their enthusiasm and almost universal willingness to be involved in research has been critical for making progress in improving outcomes for women with gynae cancer.
Secondly, the women on the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study team. They are truly a stellar cast! The team helped to successfully complete an ambitious national study that has had far reaching international impact for ovarian cancer patients and their families. Penny Webb, Georgia Chenevix-Trench, Nadia Traficante, Sian Fereday, Jillian Hung, Kath Alsop and all the research nurses, lab staff and many collaborators across the country worked together with our leader, David Bowtell, to undertake this transformative project and should be congratulated for their achievements.
Thirdly, the women that have been instrumental in the phenomenal growth and development of ANZGOG – Alison Evans, Alison Brand, Alison Davis, Clare Scott, Pearly Khaw, Michelle Wilson, Linda Mileshkin, Karen Livingston and many, many more who have helped to transform ANZGOG into a powerhouse of clinical trials and research, also need to be recognised for everything they have achieved for women with gynae cancer, in Australia and beyond our shores.”
Prof Anna deFazio, Translational Researcher and Chair of TR-ANZGOG Steering Committee
Professor Anna deFazio
“Australia has always punched well above its weight in gynae cancer research”
“Australia has always punched well above its weight in gynae cancer research with scientists and clinician-scientists like Anna De Fazio, Clare Scott and Susan Ramus leading the charge at an international level. It’s exciting to now see a new crop of researchers emerging from both established and new labs investigating a range of diverse topics across gynae tumour types. The broadening of ovarian cancer research beyond HGSOC to other subtypes and the growing understanding of the diversity of endometrial cancer are two areas of active and exciting research that should lead to new clinical trials and better outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.”
Assoc Prof Caroline Ford, Cancer Researcher and Deputy Chair of ANZGOG Uterine Tumour Working Group
How can members take action towards achieving equality in our space?
“The best results come from having diversity, with different people bringing different strengths and skills to the table. Increased recognition of the skills that women specifically bring to research and research collaborations, with the appropriate rewards in terms of career advancements, would help to move towards equality. There also needs to be more work done on mechanisms to account for ‘career disruption’ due to the added responsibilities that women often have outside work, whether it’s children, aging parents or other commitments, issues that have only been made worse by COVID-19.”
Prof Anna deFazio, Translational Researcher and Chair of TR-ANZGOG Steering Committee
“ANZGOG and its members should continue to strive for equitable access to clinical trials for all women regardless of their location, personal circumstances, or the rarity of their specific tumour.
“Diverse leadership and gender equity should be the absolute norm, not the “goal” in 2022.”
All researchers should be mentored and encouraged from an early career stage to connect their research with consumer needs and current clinical challenges. Women researchers should be supported, particularly in cases of career transition and breaks, and all grants and opportunities assessed relative to opportunity. Diverse leadership and gender equity should be the absolute norm, not the “goal” in 2022.”
Assoc Prof Caroline Ford, Cancer Researcher and Deputy Chair of ANZGOG Uterine Tumour Working Group
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