Did you know that ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer?
According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, roughly 1,800 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. And of those diagnosed at a late stage, only 29% survive for more than 5 years.
This is partly because there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, and it rarely causes any noticeable symptoms in its infancy.
Luckily, organisations like Ovarian Cancer Australia are dedicated to empowering those living with the disease and ensuring they have a fighting chance at a long and happy life.
February marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Giving Day (formerly known as Teal Ribbon Day), Ovarian Cancer Australia’s flagship events for stimulating conversations about, and raising funds for, the challenges faced by those living with ovarian cancer.
Continue reading for more information about the history and impact of Ovarian Cancer Australia and how you can get involved in their efforts to dismantle ovarian cancer as one of Australia’s deadliest diseases.
Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia is an independent national non-profit organisation that supports and advocates for those affected by ovarian cancer.
It was founded by several people who had been directly impacted by ovarian cancer, including the husband of Sheila Lee, the latter of whom sadly passed away from the disease in 2001.
Sheila Lee was Australia’s first ovarian cancer advocate. Upon receiving her cancer diagnosis, she was appalled about how little the medical and wider community knew of ovarian cancer.
Sheila worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, to harness funding for collaborative research into ovarian cancer, and to ultimately provide solutions for those living with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Australia strives to continue Sheila’s work by ensuring:
- Every Australian knows the symptoms and risks of ovarian cancer.
- Every woman with ovarian cancer has access to the best diagnostic, treatment, informational, and support resources.
- A national research effort into ovarian cancer that is dynamic, informs practice, and so improves the health outcomes of those living with ovarian cancer.
- Women living with ovarian cancer are heard.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM) is Ovarian Cancer Australia’s flagship campaign, and it is held every February in Australia.
During OCAM, Ovarian Cancer Australia strives to:
- Educate: Spread evidence-based research about ovarian cancer, including its poor survival rate, to promote awareness of and progress into the disease.
- Advocate: Improve the health outcomes of those impacted by ovarian cancer by advocating and raising funds for better research funding, laws and policies, and access to affordable treatment options.
- Elevate: Share real-life stories and experiences to elevate the voices of those impacted by the disease to as many people as possible.
Giving Day
Giving Day forms part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it typically falls on the last Wednesday of February.
On Giving Day, any donation made to Ovarian Cancer Australia is matched by one of their donors.
Get Involved
There are several ways you can get involved in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month:
- Buy a teal ribbon from Ovarian Cancer Australia or one of their partners and wear it for the month of February to start conversations about ovarian cancer.
- Donate to Ovarian Cancer Australia on Giving Day.
- Host a Teal Tea to share knowledge about, engage people with, and raise funds for those impacted by ovarian cancer.
More information about how to get involved can be found on the website for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Final Thoughts
We offer general and childcare first aid courses for you to learn more about proactively managing your health and wellbeing:
Our training locations can be found in every state, capital city, and major town throughout Australia. Head to our website to find and enrol in a first aid course near you today.
