The leading advocacy and support organisation for sufferers of ovarian cancer in Australia is urging all Australians to take a stand and show their support during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this February.
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According to Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA), one in 10 Australians know someone who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
OCA claim ovarian cancer survival rates are below the average for all cancers in Australia due to most cases of the illness being detected in later stages of development.
The key focus for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is to educate Australians on the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer to increase chances of survival.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating, the need to urinate often or urgently and feeling full after eating only a small amount.
Ovarian cancer has also been linked to the mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes with about 300 of the 1,613 ovarian cancer diagnoses in Australia last year involving a a BRCA mutation.
With your help, we can change the story of ovarian cancer.
- Jane Hill, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia
Olympic swimmer and face of OCA Nicole Livingstone OAM, who lost her mother and aunt to ovarian cancer, said it’s more important than ever for people to made aware of this disease.
“There is no better time for Australians to band together to turn the tables on ovarian cancer, she said.
“Prior to my mother passing away in 2001 she left our family with an invaluable gift; a sample of her blood which, once analysed, showed that she carried the BRC2A gene.”
Mutations can be inherited from either parent and there is a 50 per cent chance that a carrier will pass the gene fault on to each of their children.
“Armed with this information, I underwent genetic testing and found that I carried the BRCA 2 gene,” Ms Livingston said.
“About 15 years after losing my mum to ovarian cancer, last December I made the decision to have preventive surgery and have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.
“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
OCA are encouraging all Australians to pitch in and raise much needed funding for research and speak openly about ovarian cancer to help inform and educate their communities.
People can show their support by purchasing and wearing a teal ribbon or by hosting a fundraising afternoon tea in the local communities.
Jane Hill, CEO of OCA, said all funding raised will ensure research and advocacy can be continued well into the future.
“All Australians can raise awareness and funds to help Ovarian Cancer Australia deliver support, advocacy, research and awareness programs by hosting a fundraising Afternoon Teal with family, friends and colleagues,” she said.
To find out more about ovarian cancer or to register an afternoon tea, visit the Ovarian Cancer Australia website.