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National Australia Bank will provide important funding to assist the research efforts of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, which was established in May this year by the Gynaecological Oncology Unit at the Monash Medical Centre and the Prince Henry Institute for Medical Research. The National's funding will enable the Foundation to appoint a full-time research fellow from within the Monash medical unit. The Foundation is the first of its kind to be established in Australia and will be known as the National Australia Bank Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Dr Thomas Jobling, who is head of the Gynaecological Oncology Unit at the Monash Medical Centre, welcomed the National's support, saying it will provide a great boost to Australia's research efforts into ovarian cancer. "The National's financial assistance will enable the Foundation to pursue a vital research program and progress the development of strategies to reduce the death rate from ovarian cancer in Australian women. "At the moment, through our research work, we are exploring the use of peptide hormones, which may have a role to play in the development of and screening for ovarian cancer," explained Dr Jobling. "The National is proud to fund the research efforts of the OCRF, and through the Foundation, contribute positively to the health and well-being of all women," said Mike Pratt, the National's Chief Executive Officer, Australian Financial Services. There is still much to learn about the detection and management of ovarian cancer. Compared with other cancers of concern to women, for example breast and cervical, screening techniques for early detection of ovarian cancer continues to be a major issue for the medical profession in Australia and internationally. Ovarian cancer claims the lives of 70 per cent of all those diagnosed and can strike women as young as 18. The National will be a lifetime partner of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. It has pledged $350,000 over a five-year period and will play a key role in the Foundation's fundraising activities. Donations to the Foundation can be made at any branch of the National to the following account, 083-548 490 875 036. Leading fashion retailer, Witchery, is also assisting the Foundation with its fund raising activities. Silver ribbons will be available from all Witchery stores later this year to raise money for ovarian cancer research, along with the Foundation's soon-to-be released book depicting Australian women who have endured breast or gynaecological cancer. Those interested in seeking further information about the National Australia Bank Ovarian Research Foundation, can visit the web site at www.ocrf.com.au. The site is under development, courtesy of Webology Australia Pty Ltd and C4creations.
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