03/06/2026
On Monday, Sandra presented to our Port Curtis Rotary Club, raising awareness about ovarian cancer and the importance of supporting research that can improve outcomes for women and their families.
During her presentation, Sandra shared a deeply personal story that highlighted the incredible impact research has had on some cancers—and why much more needs to be done for ovarian cancer.
Twenty years ago, when Reg was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the treatment pathway was very different. The prostate was removed, and patients were often sent straight into radiation and chemotherapy.
Thanks to decades of research, things have changed. Today, doctors can monitor patients more closely and tailor treatment based on how the cancer responds. While Reg's cancer required additional treatments over time, his chances of surviving prostate cancer remain incredibly high—around 98%.
Sadly, their experience with ovarian cancer has shown a very different reality.
A close friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and her journey highlighted just how urgently more research is needed. Unlike prostate cancer, there is currently no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer, and there is no clear treatment pathway that guarantees success.
If diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a woman's chance of survival is less than one in two.
That is why Sandra and Reg are supporting the work of Dr Simon Chu and his team at the Hudson Institute in Melbourne. Their research is focused on improving early detection and developing better treatments that can ultimately save lives.
Every day in Australia, four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That's approximately 1,800 women every year. Tragically, around 1,100 Australian women lose their lives to this disease annually.
One of the greatest challenges is that ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for common health issues. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal discomfort, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, and ongoing fatigue.
Research has transformed outcomes for many cancers. In 1975, the overall cancer survival rate was around 50%. Today, it is approximately 70%.
Breast cancer survival has improved from around 75% to more than 90%.
Prostate cancer survival has risen to almost 99%.
Yet ovarian cancer survival has only improved from approximately 36% to 45%.
These statistics remind us why research matters. Just because fewer people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer than some other cancers does not mean those lives matter any less.
Dr Simon Chu is recognised internationally as one of the leading ovarian cancer researchers in the world. On 6 July, he will join riders for the first leg of the Ride for Research from Gladstone to Brisbane.
This year, 15 dedicated riders will cycle from Gladstone to Brisbane to raise vital funds and awareness for Rare Ovarian Cancer research. Every kilometre they ride represents hope for women and families affected by this disease.
We are especially proud that Port Curtis Rotary members Sandra and Reg Pugh are part of the support crew helping make this important event possible.
The goal is simple: to fund life-saving research, improve early detection, develop better treatments, and ultimately find a cure.
For Claire Reaburn, who lives with the extremely rare Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumour (JGCT), and for every woman and family affected by ovarian cancer, these riders are turning determination into action.
Together, through research, awareness, and community support, we can help change the future of ovarian cancer.
Because every woman deserves a better chance.
RideForHope
