She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2014 – a cancer that has the lowest survival rate out of any women’s cancer. A total hysterectomy and six months of chemotherapy followed. 

While undergoing treatment, Ms Welsh started a local support group in Ballarat. 

“Everyone’s story is different but we all just get each other, there is that common connection,” she said. 

One consensus among the members is that more awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer – which includes excessive fatigue, bloating, abdominal or pelvic discomfort and indigestion – is crucial since these things are often dismissed by women. 

“Know the signs and symptoms, ask questions about your family history, act on the information once you have it and share the information, this is really, really important,” Ms Welsh said.

Another key message comes in the wake of an Ovarian Cancer Australia study, which showed more than 50 per cent of Australian women believed pap smears could detect ovarian cancer. 

“We need to get it out there that pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer,” Ms Welsh said. “There is no early detection test, which is why we need to raise awareness.” 

Ballarat MP Catherine King, who is opposition health spokesperson, held a morning “teal” event on Wednesday for Teal Ribbon Day and renewed Labor’s pledge to provide $8 million in funding over four years for research. 

“It is a cancer that has a really poor five year survival rate because people don’t find out they have it until it is very late,” Ms King said. “We want to educate women about the symptoms and make sure we get more money for research, which is critical in ensuring we actually find a cure.”

For Ms King the cause is a personal one, having lost friend and mentor Betty Leahy. 

“She asked me to see her the day before she died and asked me to raise awareness and get money for research so I hope I am honouring her memory,” she said. 

Ms King also hopes the colour teal for ovarian cancer awareness will become as recognisable as pink is for breast cancer. 

To find out more about the local support group visit facebook.com/ovariancancerballarat. For more information on ovarian cancer visit ovariancancer.net.au.