Teal Ribbon Day, raising ovarian cancer awareness, was on Wednesday but this ribbon day seems to flutter back into the recesses of most of our minds until is rolls out again. 

This is not good enough.

We need to talk ovarian cancer in the same way breast cancer’s iconic pink logos is an ongoing discussion and continuous awareness campaign.

Almost 70 per cent of Australian do not know ovarian cancer exhibits symptoms, according to a new report commissioned by Ovarian Cancer Australia. Perhaps more alarmingly, more than half of Australian women believe a pap smear will detect ovarian cancer. 

Pap smears are a method to screen cervical cancer.

We are leaving Australian women unguarded against a cancer which has the lowest survival rate among women. Only 43 per cent of women survive beyond five years but women have an 80 per cent chance of survival with an early diagnosis.

Talking Teal is not just women’s business. 

Men should have the courage to talk to all significant women in their lives. While it may seem an uncomfortable subject, awareness among men is crucial to help encourage seeking medical advice.

Key ovarian cancer symptoms are abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating, the need to urinate often or urgently, or feeling full after eating a small amount.

Ovarian Cancer Australia warns it is imperative to pay attention and consult a general practitioner if symptoms persist for four weeks or more.

Ballarat’s Karen Walsh urges women to know their family history and act on symptoms. This was why she considered herself lucky to be indulging in a Teal Ribbon morning tea on Wednesday morning.

Ms Walsh runs a support group for Ballarat women and finds that while every member’s journey was different, the underlying drive to raise awareness was the same because there was no early detection test.

For Ballarat MP Catherine King, the teal campaign is person. The federal opposition health spokesperson promised her friend and mentor Betty Leahy she would push for research and a cure. 

But the more we talk teal, the more we can all understand this ‘women’s business’ better and help keep our women on-guard.