NHS Somerset cancer team praised for impressive survival rates
A report has found more people survive ovarian cancer in Somerset than almost anywhere else in the country
Last updated 14th Mar 2025
A team of NHS staff are being praised after it was revealed more people are surviving ovarian cancer in Somerset than almost anywhere else in the country.
A report published by NHS England shows that 77% of those with ovarian cancer are surviving at least one year after their diagnosis, with only one NHS trust ranking higher.
Miss Jo Morrison, a gynaecological-oncology consultant at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said she’s honoured to be part of the Somerset team that aims to consistently provide high-quality care to patients with ovarian cancer.
“Ovarian cancer tends to present late when it cannot be kept away forever, even with the best treatment,” she said. “Our aim is therefore to cure where we can and to help everyone live longer and better.
“Sadly many people will not survive long-term with ovarian cancer, though even where treatment is unlikely to be curative, it can often give people several years of good quality life.
“To come second in the country for ovarian cancer survival rates is an incredible achievement. Our 12-month survival rates are similar to those in the best-performing countries internationally, such as Norway and Denmark.”
The National Ovarian Cancer Audit first came about following concerns that cancer survival rates in the UK weren’t as good as in other countries in Europe.
Originally this work was driven by clinicians and patient support groups, who wanted to improve outcomes through understanding of why there was so much variation across the country.
“Thanks to the support of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society and the ovarian cancer charities, we contributed to a national pilot audit, which demonstrated big differences between centres across the UK,” continued Miss Morrison.
“This national audit has now been adopted by the NHS, through the National Cancer Audit Collaborating Centre, so it will continue long-term."
Many patients tend to present to their GP or other clinician when their ovarian cancer is advanced, something that can sadly narrow treatment options and the chance of a positive outcome.
“The key is to understand the individual patient, how ovarian cancer has affected them, and their wishes, to help choose the best treatment for them.
"The survival results show that there’s an efficient system in Somerset, where potentially crucial delays are minimised, wherever possible.
“Our results also show that our oncologists are proactive in treating people with chemotherapy, whereas the research we have been involved with previously shows that in other areas, fewer than half of those over 75 are considered fit enough for any treatment.
“We can only achieve this because we have such great support – our radiology, pathology, oncology, anaesthetic, other surgical and theatre teams go above and beyond – so this represents a massive team effort," Miss Morrison added.