‘When the ‘Tampon Tax’ was announced we knew we had to apply’

Following yesterday's news that Ovarian Cancer Action will receive funding from the 'tampon tax', Chief Executive Katherine Taylor reveals exactly how this money will help fund a cancer prevention strategy.

"Yesterday morning at 8.30am, in my otherwise tranquil office, I could be found dancing a jig of delight. I’d just had one of the calls all charities work hard for and dream of, that we had been awarded a grant to carry out a major piece of work.

When the ‘Tampon Tax’ was announced at the end of last year, we knew we had to apply. But it was a challenge.

We asked about the criteria, the scope of the grant and what content was needed in the application. The answer was surprisingly open – simply to write a proposal that demonstrates how the work will benefit women. 

We knew we wanted to further our work around BRCA gene testing and making sure that women and families affected by BRCA mutations, and at risk of inherited cancer, have the right information and resources to make informed decisions. We wanted to work with our Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre to explore a project that would tie in genetic testing and personalised treatment.

Our Research Fundraising Manager Nick Healey set to work, thrashing out ideas with Professor Hani Gabra and Dr Jon Krell. Together they have structured a project including the new role of a Cancer Prevention Officer here at OCA, linking to a research project identifying genetic markers in patient participants associated with ovarian and breast cancers.

What next? We’re all still over the moon because, as of yesterday, this project has become a reality. We can begin recruitment for this important role. We can start the ball rolling on the research project.

And we can say thank you, both to the Treasury and to our supporters, for without the commitment you’ve all shown so far, the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre wouldn’t exist to kick start this work."

Find out more about BRCA gene mutation and the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre