Health minister Greg Hunt has announced the federal government will invest $1.6 million in a pilot project to support women living with ovarian cancer.
The pilot will be delivered through Ovarian Cancer Australia and is built on a psychosocial support case management model using telehealth to provide care and support to patients and their families.
Over 400 of the most at risk women living with ovarian cancer are expected to receive support through the project, with a focus on women living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
"February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and it is an opportunity to drive our efforts to save and improve the lives of women with this cancer and raise awareness for the more than 1,500 women expected to be diagnosed this year," said Mr Hunt.
"Research remains our best hope of defeating this cancer and developing more effective treatments to prevent or control this condition. Clinical trials are fundamental to see if new cancer treatments, diagnostic tests or preventive interventions are effective.
"We are committed to tackling ovarian cancer and have provided through the National Health and Medical Research Council, more than $37 million since 2013.
"Through the Priority Driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme, Cancer Australia and its partners have awarded funding to support 23 ovarian cancer research projects valued at $10.9 million.
"More than $6 million will be invested in Cancer Australia’s Support for Cancer Clinical Trials program which includes ovarian cancer," added Mr Hunt.