Changes to greatly improve the outcome, treatment and support for women with endometriosis have been the driving force for studies by a University of Queensland researcher.
Professor Grant Montgomery from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) applauded the establishment of the new Parliamentary Friends of Endometriosis Awareness, announced at Parliament House in Canberra this week, which included $160k in funding for Professor Montgomery's endometriosis research.
Professor Montgomery said he hoped this announcement marked the start of a new era for women with endometriosis, with a greater focus on education, research and patient outcomes.
Endometriosis affects one in 10 women and is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
It can cause severe pelvic pain and infertility, and there are often long delays of up to 10 years between symptom onset and diagnosis.
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“There is a critical need for more research into endometriosis,” Professor Montgomery said.
“The causes of this debilitating condition are poorly understood and it has been a difficult disease to study. However, we have made excellent progress in the last five years and now is the time to capitalise on this success.
“The combination of advances in genomics, large international genetic studies, better model systems, and ability to analyse large datasets of patient information all provide the catalyst needed to accelerate research progress into endometriosis if backed by appropriate funding."
Professor Montgomery is part of The Australian Coalition for Endometriosis (ACE) group who has been lobbying for changes to improve the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Australian women suffering with endometriosis.
The group comprises of patients, clinicians, researchers and advocates - representing tens of thousands of women in patient advocacy groups.
“ACE speaks on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of women with endometriosis and their families in Australia,” Professor Montgomery said.
Above: EndoWhat? Unravelling the mystery behind endometriosis (IMB community event held in March 2017)
Contact: IMB Communications – 07 3346 2132, 0421 819 807, communications@imb.uq.edu.au
