10 Best Anti-Snore Pillows to Stop Snoring in 2025
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Everyone snores once in a while but when it's a continuous problem, it can be a massive pain – both for you and your sleeping partner.
Sure, a quick Google search will provide you with an array of options that claim to stop snoring but one of the most effective – and affordable and convenient – ways starts with changing your pillow. That's because during sleep, your airways relax and narrow, and your tongue falls backward. As you breathe, the walls of your throat vibrate and cause the sound of snoring.
Using an anti-snore pillow fixes this issue by adjusting your sleeping position, keeping your airways open, providing spinal alignment and supporting your head and neck.
Anti-snore pillows are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and also offer multiple levels of firmness and support based on your individual needs and preferences. Here, we've compiled a list of the very best ones for every type of snoring sleeper, including the best-selling Ecosa pillow that reviewers say has helped reduce their partner's snoring.
Plus we also got our eyes on the CushionCare Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, $69.95 at Amazon. Research suggests cervical-support pillows may help reduce snoring and support better sleep.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S
CushionCare Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, $69.95 at Amazon
CushionCare Cervical Memory Foam Pillow
What You Need To Know
This one gets our top pick based on quality, design and affordability. The therapeutic contour pillow is made from a breathable high-density memory foam core and features an ergonomic design that gently cradles the neck and head, reducing movement throughout the night. Perfect for side, back and stomach sleepers, the pillow also comes with an outer and inner cover to keep the foam clean and prolong its lifespan.
The orthopaedic pillow is marketed as 'the best sleep you'll ever have', which sounds like a big call but is backed by over 1.8k five-star reviewers on Amazon.
'I have searched high and low for a sleeping pillow that would help me sleep,' one reviewer explained. 'Although I have only had the pillow for four days, the Cervical Memory Foam pillow is most comfortable and I have woken up refreshed. I am quite sure that in another two weeks I will still feel I made the right purchase.'
Another satisfied customer wrote: 'When I opened the package I could tell it was good quality and better than my previous pillows. I've tried a few standard-shaped pillows with no relief. But CushionCare neck pillow made a difference on the first night. I slept soundly and comfortably and no more aching neck! I've had it for a month now and it's one of the best purchases I have made.'
What You Need To Know
The Ecosa Pillow is equally as good as the best-selling mattresses the brand is known for. It comes with three bonus memory foam pads for a completely customisable fit, so whether you're a side, back or freestyle sleeper, you can find the ideal head elevation for a restful, snore-free sleep. Plus, its ergonomic, contoured design promotes neck and spine alignment, promoting a neutral posture that reduces pain and again, unwanted snoring. The innovative pillow also comes with a handy vacuum seal and travel bag, so you never have to go a night without resting your head on your favourite bedding item.
With free shipping and a 100-night trial, you can finally rest easy just like the other 12.6k five-star customers.
One reviewer who uses a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, wrote the following: 'I am a CPAP user with sleep apnoea, and this is my second Ecosa pillow purchase. These pillows are perfect for side sleepers. I had to convert myself to side sleeping beyond age 50 because of shoulder pain and acid reflux, and this amazing pillow has made the difference. I love putting the thicker side under my neck for the amazing support it gives.'
A second person simply said, 'My husband loves his new pillow and has even reduced his snoring and tossing.'
Picture: Amazon Australia.
What You Need To Know
If you're willing to spend some money on a high-quality memory foam pillow to help you stop snoring, the TEMPUR-Ergo Neck Pillow is a safe choice. The 'expertly engineered' ergonomic design is meant to help support your head, neck and shoulders while you sleep, with many customers revealing their partners stopped snoring upon snoozing on it.
'The pillow itself is very comfortable to sleep on,' one person wrote. 'My wife says I snore less with this new pillow.'
One of the 4.2k five-star reviewers commented on the pillow's ability to relieve bodily pains, writing, 'This pillow is amazing! It is firm, but soft and really holds its shape. I have sooooo many neck and back issues and am a side sleeper. I can definitely tell the difference in my neck just a week into use.'
The pillow also comes with a removable hypo-allergenic polyester cover for a fresh sleep, night after night.
While returns or refunds aren't allowed, the pillow does come with a five-year warranty.
Dentons Anti-Snore Pillow, $169.95 at Amazon
Dentons Anti-Snore Pillow
What You Need To Know
You know a pillow that's recommended by chiropractors and physiotherapists is going to be a worthwhile investment. It's made from the brand's signature patented Softec foam, which has a higher degree of open cell formation for better breathability, resulting in a cooler foam and better night's sleep (read: snore-free snooze). The contoured variations of this Dentons number are specifically designed for back sleepers looking for optimal comfort and superior neck support to increase airflow and reduce snoring.
One customer who was recommended the pillow by their chiropractor, wrote, 'The best pillow I have bought, great support for my head and neck, I have used around 10 months now no more neck pain on my wake up in the morning.'
Another satisfied sleeper said: 'I'm amazed at how well it worked. My husband stopped snoring and started sleeping through the night. Thank you!!'
Unfortunately, Dentons doesn't offer refunds or exchanges for change of mind but they do offer a five-year guarantee, which covers product faults and defects.
The Eva Pillow
What You Need To Know
The simple design of The Eva Pillow makes it a versatile pick for all types of sleepers, especially with its customisable build. If you love a super plush pillow, remove the cover for softer relief and for those needing extra support, simply leave the cover on for a firmer pillow.
Eva also says the pillow won't lose its shape or sag in the centre like a sad pavlova. Instead, it'll retain its shape without sacrificing the 'cloudlike' feeling. And despite its sturdy foam, it's also incredibly breathable thanks to the expertly designed airflow holes and the fact that it's been activated with charcoal to regulate moisture, remove odours and keep bad bacteria at bay.
'We've been using the Eva pillows since April 2022 and honestly they've changed our lives,' one person admitted. 'We were starting to think sore necks were a part of life but that was because we weren't sleeping on the Eva pillow. Since the first night we used them we've woken every morning without any pain and actually feeling like we got a nights sleep!'
A second person wrote: 'Tried two other pillows before purchasing the Eva pillow. The Eva is soft and comfortable, no more stiff neck in the morning.'
White Cool Gel Memory Foam Wedge Pillow with Cover
What You Need To Know
The White Cool Gel Memory Foam Wedge is designed to lift the upper body while accommodating the sleeper's shape to reduce airway compression from gravity without creating acute pressure points.
It comes in four different thicknesses – 10cm, 19cm, 25cm and 30cm – so there's a perfect height for everyone. It has a moderate firmness feel and is constructed of cool gel memory foam with a bamboo fibre cover for hypo-allergenic properties and longer-lasting durability.
The wedge shape is best suited for back sleepers, however, plenty of side sleepers have reported enjoying this design, too. As an added bonus, it doubles as a laptop, arm, book or phone stand when lounging on the sofa or a leg rest after a long day of standing.
A five star reviewer commented, 'I use them in bed at home, and in our caravan. Really helps us get a better nights sleep by elevating our heads in a more comfortable way than just pillows.'
Another person simply said, 'Great product! Very helpful for when you have a cold or elevation.'
on sale
Picture: Myer.
$19.98 at Myer
What You Need To Know
This medium-profile pillow is a side sleeper's dream. It features a hypo-allergenic fill, making it perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers and has a luxurious cotton sateen cover that finesses the overall high quality of the pillow.
The Heritage Side Sleeper has attracted rave reviews, with most people praising the product for its support, quality and affordable price tag.
'Most comfortable pillow I have ever owned. Great price too. Cannot fault it. If you have neck pain/headaches or acid reflux, get this pillow,' a five-star reviewer explained.
Another person admitted: 'Heritage Pillows are my favourite pillows and retain their loft for a considerable length of time. They are washable and durable and good value for money.'
The Koala Pillow, $155 at Koala
The Koala Pillow
Picture: Koala.
$155 at Koala
What You Need To Know
The brand that's loved for its sofas and mattresses brings an anti-snore pillow set to rival the very best on the global market. No joke, because the Koala Pillow holds the title of the 2021 and 2022 Canstar Blue 'Most Satisfied Customers' Award in the pillow category.
The brand's VP of Product Design, James Whitta, explained exactly why this sleep expert-approved pillow with over 3.5k five-star reviews, is an essential investment for those who snore.
'Our award-winning Koala pillow utilises gel-infused memory foam offering both a firm and soft side, so you can flip it to the side you like best,' Whitta told news.com.au. 'The dual sides means the Koala Pillow suits everyone from side sleepers, stomach sleepers, back sleepers, even combination sleepers – and assists with comfort to help minimise snoring.'
Koala also offers fast and free delivery as well as a 120-night trial period and a one-year warranty.
But when you purchase a Koala pillow, you're not just doing yourself (and your sleeping partner) a favour — you're also benefiting the environment. That's because Koala is the only Australian furniture retailer that annually gives away one per cent of gross sales for the good of the planet. The company is also B-corp certified and belongs to a group of companies that work together to build a more sustainable economy, plus, they've partnered with the World Wildlife Fund so every pillow purchased helps protect Australian koalas.
What You Need To Know
Many experts believe sleeping in a cooler room can benefits snorers, so it makes sense to opt for a pillow that regulates temperature and reduces the likelihood of the sleeper overheating and waking up sweating. That's why the Emma Foam Pillow is the perfect long-term investment for snorers. It's crafted with a opened pored memory foam that enhances air flow and absorbs moisture along with the breathable top cover that's machine washable.
Another standout feature is the adjustable height and firmness levels. For those who prefer to sleep on their stomach, you can stick to just using one layer. Back sleepers can choose between two or three layers, while side sleepers are recommended to use all three layers for ultimate support and comfort.
'After a week of sleeping on our new pillows, no more sore neck a better night's sleep. Also I have been told by my partner that my snoring has definitely decreased too, ' praised a shopper on Product Review.
Yes, the Emma Foam Pillow is on the higher price of anti-snore pillows, however, Emma is confident you'll fall in love with that they offer free delivery, a 150-night trial and free returns.
on sale
Habitat Travel & Camping Memory Foam Pillow
Picture: Pillow Talk.
What You Need To Know
It's inconvenient to carry around a bulky pillow on your travels, which is why you need this compact anti-snore pillow from Habitat that also comes with a handy travel bag.
Although smaller in size, it's still made with memory foam that contours softly around the head and helps align the body into full relaxation mode. The foam is also infused with bamboo charcoal, which helps eliminate odours, absorb moisture and keep the pillow fresh. Ventilated airflow holes regulate heat and help keep you cool as you sleep while travelling by train, car, plane, cruise or when camping.
One reviewer wrote: 'The quality and comfort in this pillow has beaten two other options I have purchased over the years. So happy.'
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ANTI-SNORE PILLOWS
Sleep Position and Support
The way your pillow supports your head, neck, and spine plays a major role in how effectively it can reduce snoring.
Back sleepers may find their head tilts backward or forward, which can cause the tongue to fall back and block the airway. A pillow that gently elevates the head and supports the neck can help prevent this.
• Side sleepers typically benefit from a pillow that aligns the neck and spine while keeping the airway open.
• Stomach sleepers are typically advised to choose a thin memory foam pillow that offers minimal elevation to avoid neck strain and reduce obstruction.
Firmness
Firmness is a matter of personal preference, some people prefer a firmer pillow for more support, while others like a softer feel. If you're unsure, look for a pillow with adjustable firmness or one you can trial at home.
Materials
Anti-snore pillows come in a range of materials including memory foam, latex, and hybrid fills. You can also find pillows with hypo-allergenic covers and cooling features, which may help improve overall sleep quality and comfort, especially for sensitive sleepers. Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your personal preferences and sleep needs.
Price
Anti-snore pillows are available at a variety of price points, from more budget-friendly options to premium models. The right choice is one that fits your budget while effectively improving your sleep posture and helping reduce snoring.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best anti-snore pillow for your needs and budget, we asked leading General Practitioner, Dr Michela Sorensen, and Dr Paul Coceancig, Maxillofacial Surgeon and Sleep Apnoea Expert, for their expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying an anti-snore pillow. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best anti-snore pillow from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO ANTI-SNORE PILLOWS WORK?
Anti-snore pillows are ergonomically designed to support your neck and head to keep your airways as open as possible. They can also alter your sleeping position and keep you sleeping on your side, which benefits those who snore because they sleep flat on their back.
Many anti-snore pillows are made with polyurethane, which is the building block of memory foam and is strong enough to keep you in position while providing support and comfort.
The shape of anti-snore pillows is generally lower in the centre and higher on the sides, and some even have a cutout to stop you from rolling onto your back.
It's important to note that anti-snore pillows act more like a Band-Aid for snoring problems, as opposed to directly addressing the root cause. If you, or someone you know, suffers from snoring, it's crucial to look into active lifestyle solutions like losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol at least four hours before bedtime or treating allergies.
HOW DO YOU STOP SNORING AT NIGHT?
Stopping snoring is not a one-size-fits-all approach, explained Dr Sorensen.
'It depends on the underlying cause of your snoring.'
If you're a regular snorer, you should consult a doctor who will be able to review your signs and symptoms and perform a medical examination so they can recommend the best treatments for your case.
According to Healthdirect and Dr Sorensen, simple measures that might help include:
Losing weight with diet and fitness changes
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives close to bedtime
Quitting smoking
Avoiding sleeping on your back
Treating nasal congestion
Getting enough sleep
Trying mouth exercises
Raising the head of your bed or using an elevating pillow
Dr Sorensen added, 'Your doctor may recommend splints or other devices to assist with your jaw position or breathing during sleep.'
You may also be required to use a device that blows air into your nose or mouth while sleeping, Dr Coceancig noted.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment and involves a pump connected to a mask that you wear at night.
'This helps with inflating the collapsed airway behind the collapsing tongue,' Dr Coceancig explained.
Then, there are more invasive treatments.
'Throat surgery performed by ENT surgeons can also help 'bore put the pipes' by removing tonsils or adenoids or opening up the nasal air passages to help with night-time breathing,' Dr Coceancig said.
'If you are seeking a permanent cure, you need to address the primary cause of sleep apnoea, which is almost always a small jaw and the disproportionate facial structures that a small jaw causes.'
WHEN SHOULD YOU WORRY ABOUT SNORING?
Nearly everyone snores occasionally, however, if left untreated or it's an ongoing problem, it can be a symptom of a bigger health problem like obstructive sleep apnoea, explained leading General Practitioner Dr Michela Sorensen.
'The warning signs of when to see a doctor include having apnoeic episodes (when you are gasping for breath in your sleep) or experiencing excessive daytime fatigue that interferes with your normal routine day-to-day activities,' Dr Sorensen told news.com.au.
But regardless of whether snoring is a relatively new habit or a long-term one, snoring is an early sign of developing sleep apnoea, which will impact your health in alarming ways, according to Dr Paul Coceancig, Maxillofacial Surgeon and Sleep Apnoea Expert.
'In the short term, sleep apnoea can result in brain fog, lethargy, hyperactivity, excessive daytime sleepiness, somatic problems and psychological issues,' Dr Coceancig told news.com.au.
'Long term, sleep deficiency has been linked to cardiovascular disease and obesity and can adversely impact your respiratory, digestive and endocrine systems. Some research indicates that sleep apnoea can lower your life expectancy by as much as 15 years.'
'Other causes of snoring can include blocked nasal passages due to illness and alcohol and drug use.'
And it's not just affecting your health, either.
'In addition to the impact on the snorer, snoring can impact relationships, causing frustration, resentment and damaging sleep quality for those in close proximity to the snorer,' Dr Coceancig added.
Snoring is typically more frequent and loudest when sleeping on the back and this is because of gravity, according to Dr Sorensen.
'When you are on your back, gravity pushes the soft structures in your mouth and neck down, narrowing your airway. This causes turbulent airflow resulting in the snoring sound.'
That's why adjusting your sleep position to lying on your side or in a more upright position can help prevent or reduce snoring.
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Petra Capital analyst Tanu Jain dubs the SCP approval as 'another historic milestone' for Artrya that 'material changes' the company's prospects. SCP accounts for more than 70% of the firm's forecast US revenues for Artrya: $100 million by June 2029. And there's more: the company expects the FDA to approve a third device – Salix Coronary Flow – early next year. Sonic shares don't boom Sonic Healthcare (ASX:SHL) has become the second healthcare giant to disappoint this week, following CSL's (ASX:CSL) damp squib on Tuesday. The company's shares tumbled around 10% this morning after the pathology (and radiology) services giant reported a 7% boost in full-year earnings to $514 million. Revenue gained 8% to $9.64 million. Surely punters would be happy with a single digit increment in these challenged times? But it was the usual story of the profit falling short of consensus expectations, of around $530 million. RBC Capital Markets says the result was 'disappointing'. But to be fair, the market expectations were above what management itself was guiding. Sonic now has guided to underlying earnings (EBITDA) of $1.87-1.95 billion for the current year, compared with $1.725 billion in 2024-25. That's an 11% improvement at the midpoint, but once gain investors had chalked in a bit more. Last month Sonic completed the purchase of LADR, one of Germany's top five lab groups, for around €423 million ($760million) in a cash and scrip deal. Given LADR turned dover €370 million last and generated €50 million, the acquisition should add some Panzer grunt to current year performance. No pain, some gain at Medical Developments Purveyor of the well-established Penthrox front-line pain relief device, Medical Developments International (ASX:MVP) has managed a $100,000 full-year profit. While that seems modest, it's a welcome turnaround on the previous $41 million loss. The previous underlying loss (EBIT) improved to a $48,000 deficit after the previous $11.6 million shortfall. A.k.a 'the Green Whistle', the Penthrox analgesic dispensers are a common sigh on sporting sidelines, when stricken players hobble off sucking the devices. The company's overall revenue gained 18% to $39.1 million, with pain management (Penthrox) turnover surging 23% to $26.2 million. (The company also glean handy revenue from selling respiratory devices such as asthma spacers.) Management reports 'pleasing growth' in Europe and the UK. Locally, Penthrox revenue gained 26% to $15.4 million and the devices now account for 43% of the hospital segment. There's a big missing piece to the company's global jigsaw. Despite the ubiquitousness of Penthrox, US authorities refuse to approve it for historical reasons. Another one hits the rough Universal Biosensors (ASX:UBI) has called in KPMG's kindly voluntary administrators after failing to execute an urgent funding deal with an entity related to a director, Craig Coleman. The company had reported first-half revenue of $2.76 million, down 11% and a $10.48 million loss. The June 30 cash balance stood at less than $2.2 million. In the words of David Copperfield's Mr Micawber – a business consultant ahead of his time - 'annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds nought and six, result misery'. The company said the administrators' current intention was 'to continue to trade UBS whilst an urgent assessment of trading is undertaken and options for its sale and, or recapitalisation are explored'. For the time being, the administration pertains to the local arm of the US-incorporated entity. Universal shares closed on Tuesday at 1.4c, ascribing a $5.4 million market cap. Over a convoluted 20-year listed history, Universal commercialised bio-chemical sensor technology for applications including blood coagulation, wine testing, water impurities and canine glucose levels. Sadly, the sector's casualty wards are filling. Last December Genetic Technologies entered voluntary administration. In December the company sold its key asset – its Genetype business – to Rhythm Biosciences (ASX:RHY) for $625,000. In May this year, medical cannabis play Ecofibre gave up the struggle and called in administrators. As did Cryogenic sample labelling play, Bluechiip. A slew of other biotech microcaps faces a similar fate if they don't raise funds pronto. But your columnist is too much of a gentleman to name them. Kiwi snore buster guides to 'very strong' conditions Ahead of its AGM later today, Kiwi based ResMed (ASX:RMD) rival Fisher & Paykel Healthcare (ASX:FPH) has guided to 31% profit surge in the current (September) half, with revenue up 13%. This equates to earnings of around NZ$200 million and turnover of $1.075 billion. CEO Lewis Gradon points to 'very strong' conditions across the homecare and hospital products group. The former includes continuous positive airway pressure pumps and masks for sleep apnoea; hence the rivalry with Resmed. Earlier this month, Resmed disclosed June (fourth) quarter revenue of US$1.3 billion, up 10% and a US$380 million net profit, up 30%. CEO Mick Farrell reported 'robust global demand for our market-leading sleep and breathing health devices, as well as our expanding digital health ecosystem.' The hospital group sells devices such as humidifies and masks. Gradon refers to an 'ongoing critical change' to hospital therapies which has provided a tailwind. RFK 'rhetoric' linked with Atlanta shooting In the latest missive from our overworked Washington desk, hundreds of health workers are imploring health secretary Robert F Kennedy Junior to tone down his rhetoric on vaccines after a fatal shooting. Earlier this month, a gunman opened fire at the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention's Atlanta HQ, killing one policeman. The assailant, who then shot himself, reportedly believed the Covid-19 jab had made him sick. In a letter, more than 750 current and former federal health workers described JFK Jr as 'complicit in dismantling America's public health infrastructure and endangering the nation's health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information.' The uber department, Human Health Services said the protests were an attempt to politicise a tragedy by conflating 'widely supported public health reforms with the violence of a suicidal mass shooter'.
ABC News
18 hours ago
- ABC News
Gynaecological cancer survivors help educate Australia's future doctors and nurses
When Kristin Young was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2009, it had taken her doctors some time to figure out what was wrong. "Ovarian cancer is difficult to pick up and often thought to be other things," she said. "The most common symptoms — bloating, feeling full [quickly] and the need to urinate more often … they present like other common conditions." In Kristin's case, it was a much rarer symptom — swollen lymph nodes in her groin — that prompted concern. "The really tricky thing about ovarian cancer is it manifests in many different ways … and spreads quite widely before it ever gets big enough to give you a symptom," she said. "Many women have hoped that the medical system would do better to pick it up early, but the system is up against the perplexing biology of ovarian cancer, which is worsened by its rarity." Kristin underwent treatment, which was successful, but 4.5 years later, the cancer returned. The now-retired psychologist said one of the biggest challenges of dealing with a cancer diagnosis was navigating the health system and "getting the right communication" with her medical team. When an opportunity came up to work with trainee health professionals to improve their understanding of gynaecological patients' lived experiences, Kristin knew she wanted to be involved. "One of the really important things … is to share that message that [ovarian cancer] is difficult to diagnose, and how important it is to listen to the stories that women bring to the doctor," she said. "If, through education and awareness, we can help a small number of people be diagnosed even a bit earlier, it's better than things staying the way they are." The volunteer-led program, Survivors Teaching Students, is a national initiative that brings ovarian and other gynaecological cancer survivors and caregivers into the classrooms of medical, nursing and other health professional students across the country. Alison Evans, CEO of the Australian and New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), said the program was developed by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in the US and brought to Australia by ANZGOG in 2017. "It's vital because it's really giving voice to what symptoms are, what diagnosis looks like, and what treatment looks like from a patient's perspective," Ms Evans told the Health Report. In Australia, 19 women are diagnosed and six women die from gynaecological cancer every day. Despite this, Ms Evans said gynaecological cancers — which include uterine, endometrial, ovarian, vulval, vaginal and cervical — were poorly understood in the community. "There's a stigma around these cancers because they are part of the reproductive system, and therefore they're hidden and they're very personal," she said. With the exception of cervical screening, there are no early detection tests available, and as a result, gynaecological cancers often grow silently during the curable stage. Adding to the challenge is the fact women may have symptoms overlooked or minimised by health professionals, which Ms Evans hopes the program will help to change. Since 2017, Survivors Teaching Students volunteers have delivered in-person and online programs to more than 20,000 students across 22 universities in Australia and New Zealand. During a typical session, students hear from three volunteers — including patients, carers and family members — about their personal experience with gynaecological cancer, including the physical, mental and emotional toll it takes. "Patients are real people with lives and families, and we want the doctors and nurses of the future to see that," Kristin said. One of the key goals, she said, is to emphasise the importance of good health communication and compassionate care. "Patients remember what doctors and nurses say, and that sometimes can be engraved in your mind forever." But the most important part, according to Kristin, is answering the questions from students. "Many students are really touched at an emotional level … and perhaps start to think they would consider a career in oncology or oncology-based research." Further research was critical for early detection and treatment options to be improved, Ms Evans said, particularly for the 55 per cent of gynaecological cancers considered rare or less common, which often had limited treatment options. "We want doctors to be curious about these diseases for the rest of their career," she said. "The most important thing is that GPs and nurses … have a voice in their head that is the woman's voice or the carer's voice that they take with them." Kristin said her own experience with ovarian cancer was proof that oncology research was having an impact. "I'm a 'super responder' on one of these new molecular-based treatments … so the prognosis that I had, which was very poor, I have now outlived this, and I know that that represents hope," she said. "Research is prolonging lives in some people and with more research it will prolong more lives." In addition to inspiring and educating the next generation of health professionals, she said the Survivors Teaching Students program had strengthened the community of people living with gynaecological cancer. "At the very personal level, I have made good friends, what I feel are lifelong friends. "The term lifelong is ironic in ovarian cancer because many of the women I have met … unfortunately have not had long lives. I have my contacts list and my phone is full of people who have passed away, but I never delete them." The program helped people affected by gynaecological cancer leave a "lasting legacy", Ms Evans added. "Many women and their families at the end of treatment are looking for a way to make a difference. Listen to the full story and subscribe to the Health Report podcast for more.
