Giving Gold for Lou’s Dot Cherry is determined to remain vocal on the issue, but says it can only truly make an effective impact if others add their voice.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest cancer in women – a stark fact that has not changed in 30 years.

Time for action is the theme for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this February, and Teal Ribbon Day is Wednesday, however, Ms Cherry said women need to talk teal all year round in their offices, friendship groups and sporting clubs because little was changing.

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Ms Cherry and her close friends have been working to raise money and awareness under Giving Gold for Lou in Ballarat the past five years. They do so in the name of Lou Quinn, daughter of their friend Maggie, who died almost three years ago from ovarian cancer.

“All the things we’ve done have all been to raise awareness and you’d hope by now more people would start to initiate,” Ms Cherry said.

She urged women to at least check in on each other to be tested and to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Frequent symptoms can include: abdominal or pelvic pain; increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating; needing to urinate often or urgently; and, feeling full after eating a small amount.

Other symptoms to be aware of are: changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; bleeding in-between periods or after menopause; back pain; indigestion or nausea; excessive fatigue; and pain during intercourse.

Giving Gold for Lou has raised more than $61,600 to this month for ovarian cancer research at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.

This has predominantly been from small teal acts, like the member who hosts a happy hour in honour of her sister who died of ovarian cancer. 

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