We're number one for survival rates
Women treated for ovarian cancer at Barts Health have the best one-year survival rate in England and Wales, according to a new report by the National Ovarian Cancer Audit.
This is the second audit that recognises Barts Health as the best for survival, with the service also coming out on top for five-year survival rates last year.
No matter where women in northeast London are referred from, they will have surgery at The Royal London Hospital. Chemotherapy is provided at either St Bartholomew’s or Queens Hospital. Each patient gets a personalised care plan based on their diagnosis.
The goal of the team is to offer surgery for ovarian cancer to as many patients as possible, even those with advanced cancer. Different teams work closely to get the best results, and they prepare patients thoroughly for treatment.
The process begins at other hospitals where gynaecology teams work quickly to run the necessary tests and refer women to The Royal London Hospital. If chemotherapy is needed, the oncology team will see the patient within a few days and start treatment quickly.
Women who need surgery join a prehabilitation program that helps them improve their diet and exercise to be in the best shape for the operation. This support means that more women can undergo surgery, which can improve their outcomes.
Time from diagnosis to treatment is also important, as waiting longer than four weeks may lower survival chances. At The Royal London, specific operating times are set aside for advanced ovarian cancer cases to speed up the treatment process.
If chemotherapy is needed after surgery, the first appointment is scheduled ahead of time. Medical oncologists will see patients on the same day as their surgical follow-up or soon after. This planning helps women start the next step in their treatment quickly.
Elly Brockbank, a lead consultant for the service, said:
“This is a great example of teams working together for our patients. Our service works as one, and that’s what leads to our success.
“We are thrilled and thankful. This is a big morale boost for our hard-working team.”
A patient story
Eleanor, 78 (pictured above), is just one of the patients who has benefitted from the team’s approach to treating ovarian cancer.
Originally from Manila in the Philippines, Eleanor is a former public-school teacher and a mother of three adult children — a nurse and two computer science engineers. She underwent a major operation at The Royal London Hospital in February, following a cancer diagnosis and a treatment plan that included chemotherapy.
“I am so grateful for the care I received in the hospital from the doctors and nurses, especially Dr Brockbank. They all treated me with kindness and respect.
“I am a survivor, and the team are helping me to get stronger and stronger.”