26 Aug 2024
On August 26, 2024, CAMILLA AND MARC, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), proudly announced a historic medical breakthrough through their ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ initiative. This pioneering achievement marks the development of a world-first 3-target signature using DNA biomarkers that can detect all types of early-stage ovarian cancer, paving the way for a revolutionary early detection blood test anticipated to enter clinical trials by 2026.
Dr. Kristina Warton, the head researcher at UNSW’s Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, highlighted the transformative potential of this innovation. “An early detection test has the scope to improve outcomes and save lives for people with ovarian cancer all over the world,” Dr. Warton emphasized. “Our goal is to make this test successful through a simple blood draw and a PCR reaction, without a need for specialised imaging equipment or invasive medical procedures. Early diagnosis is the most accessible and equitable path to healthcare for people at risk of ovarian cancer, offering life-changing impacts.”
The ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ campaign has become a powerful philanthropic movement within the Australian fashion industry, championed by Creative Director Camilla Freeman-Topper and her brother, Marc Freeman. The campaign’s mission is deeply personal for the Freeman siblings, inspired by their mother’s battle with ovarian cancer.
Camilla Freeman-Topper expressed her profound pride in the advancements made by the UNSW team. “The breakthroughs that have been made with the early detection test have been nothing short of extraordinary. Without this funding, we would not have reached this significant milestone. None of us would be here without ovaries, and this disease has been silenced for too long. Millions continue to be affected every year, yet there is still no test. It is not good enough. My mother deserved better. We all deserve better.”
Marc Freeman added, “The development of the world’s first 3-target signature to detect early stages of ovarian cancer is a groundbreaking achievement in Australian medical science. This innovation offers optimism for improving the prognosis of this devastating disease via an early detection test.”
As the research enters its next phase, the focus will shift to testing the current method on patients with small or early-stage ovarian tumors, with the aim of further enhancing the test’s sensitivity. This next step is crucial in the journey toward making early detection a reality, a goal that CAMILLA AND MARC remain committed to supporting through ongoing fundraising and advocacy efforts.
To further their mission, CAMILLA AND MARC will launch the 2024 ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them.’ limited edition capsule on August 26, 2024. This unisex and children's collection, featuring impactful typography artwork designed by Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection for future generations. The collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, and caps in bold red and white, with 100% of proceeds going directly towards advancing this groundbreaking research.
CAMILLA AND MARC invite their valued customers and community to join them in making history. Whether by purchasing a t-shirt, making a donation, or simply joining the conversation, every contribution brings us one step closer to changing the face of ovarian cancer. The ‘Ovaries Talk About Them.’ collection will be available in boutiques and online at www.camillaandmarc.com from August 26, 2024.
