This year marks the fifth year of the ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ campaign, established by Camilla and Marc’s founders, Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman.
The siblings lost their mother to ovarian cancer as adolescents and in recent years have become dedicated to shining a light on the stark facts around the disease, while raising money for crucial research.
Ovarian cancer is a disease where cells in or near the ovaries begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Known as the “silent killer,” it is notoriously hard to detect in its early stages—by the time most are diagnosed, the cancer has already spread, leaving people with limited treatment options and drastically reduced survival outcomes.
Often deadly, there is still no test for Ovarian Cancer (a pap, or cervical smear does not detect ovarian cancer) and the condition has little awareness compared to other forms of the disease.
The numbers around the disease are staggering: Details shared by Camilla and Marc reveal by 2050, the number of people diagnosed with ovarian cancer is projected to rise by more than 55%, with annual deaths expected to increase by a staggering 70%, reaching nearly 445,000 deaths per year.
A key goal for Camilla And Marc’s fundraising has been to help fund the development of a blood test for ovarian cancer. This would provide an early detection tool with more potential for surgery to remove the cancer before it spreads.
This goal is now within sight, thanks to purchases of the previous charity tees. It is hoped this year’s just-launched tees will achieve significant progress in Australian-led research working towards the detection test.
Since launching in 2019, the campaign has raised over AU$2.5 million in direct research funding, thanks to money raised from the t-shirt sales and public donations. These funds have enabled a world- first research initiative led by Professor Caroline Ford and her all – female team at the UNSW Sydney Gynaecological Cancer Research Group.
After identifying three highly specific DNA biomarkers in 2024, current work is focused on combining them into a single, highly sensitive blood test—a rigorous process known as multiplexing. This represents the final step before launching a clinical trial to assess the real-world effectiveness of what could become the world’s first early detection test for ovarian cancer.
“We’re on the verge of a scientific breakthrough that could fundamentally change outcomes for people with ovarian cancer around the world. Early detection is the missing piece — and we’re closer than ever to delivering it,” says Professor Caroline Ford, UNSW Sydney.
This year’s tees offer a clean, minimalist design in black or white that spotlights one of two key messages, ‘How much are your ovaries worth?’ and ‘It All Begins with Ovaries.’
“We are incredibly optimistic that the wonderfully capable team is on track to take the first early detection test to clinical trial by 2026, says Camilla Freeman-Topper Creative Director.
“Now, we need everyone to show up like never before, for our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. If we get this across the line, we will change the future of women’s health globally.”
To purchase this year’s tees or to make a donation towards research, visit camillaandmarc.com.
