Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Launches Today

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1st February 2010, 03:01am - Views: 1826

EMBARGOED: MIDNIGHT 31 JANUARY 2010

VITAL COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE

Ovarian Cancer Australia Launches Awareness Month - February 2010
An initiative of Ovarian Cancer Australia
"Every woman needs to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Don't leave it until the 11th Hour!"


On February 1 Ovarian Cancer Australia is launching Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2010 to help save lives by raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer as well as raising vital funds to provide support for those touched by ovarian cancer.

Every 11 hours an Australian woman will die from ovarian cancer. A Pap test does not detect the disease. There is no early detection test and while ovarian cancer is often considered a silent killer, scientific evidence shows that many women DO experience symptoms that if acted on, could result in an earlier diagnosis and a better chance of beating the disease.

Awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms is vital for every Australian woman of any age because every day ovarian cancer affects someones partner, someones sister, someones daughter or someones mother.

Paula Benson, Director of Ovarian Cancer Australia said, "During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, our message to every Australian woman is clear: Dont leave learning the symptoms of ovarian cancer until the 11th Hour!"

The Hon Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications & Digital Economy, will launch Ovarian Cancer Australias new ,,Family & Friends program. The Ministers wife, Paula Benson, is an ovarian cancer survivor and a Director of Ovarian Cancer Australia.

"When someone you love is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is a difficult time for her, her family and friends. First the shocking news and then coming to terms with the reality of what the diagnosis means - many challenges and life changes to overcome. Tests, surgery, doctors and hospital visits for chemotherapy; there is no easy path through it but there are things we can all do to make her journey through treatment easier," Senator Conroy said.

"Providing love, support and understanding is so important. However, knowing what we can all do to help will make a significant difference to women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, so family and friends can walk beside and help them through it.

"Ovarian Cancer Australias Family & Friends brochure ensures that all those who are an important part of every womans journey with ovarian cancer, can now have the information they need to help the person they love. Like family and friends, Ovarian Cancer Australia is here to support women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, walking beside them, every step of the way," said Senator Conroy.

Simon Lee, Chairman of Ovarian Cancer Australia explained the care offered by the organisation for women diagnosed with the disease. "Ovarian Cancer Australia plays such a critical role in supporting women with ovarian cancer throughout Australia. Whilst other organisations are chasing a detection test which could be years away, with 1500 women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia every year, we are here to support these women physically, emotionally and intellectually," he said.

"We established Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month because awareness of the disease is critical in ensuring women and their loved ones know about ovarian cancer and can recognise its symptoms. The more people who know about the disease, the greater the chance we have of women being detected earlier and in turn, the better their survival prospects," Mr Lee said.

The most common four symptoms which women with ovarian cancer experience frequently and persistently are: pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size/persistent bloating, increased urinary frequency, and difficulty eating and/or feeling full quickly.

To learn the risks, signs and symptoms or to make a donation please visit www.ovariancancer.net.au. Dont leave it until the eleventh hour!

Ovarian Cancer Australia also has named Wednesday 24th February Teal Ribbon Day, with ribbons available for purchase for $2.00 from Napoleon Perdis concept stores and Ovarian Cancer Australia. Funds raised through Teal Ribbon Day will continue the work of Ovarian Cancer Australia, operational since 2001.

For more information on ovarian cancer, or to make a tax deductible donation or purchase teal ribbons (minimum quantity of 5 at $2 each) please contact Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Phone: 1300 660 334
Email: [email protected]
Website: ovariancancer.net.au



To arrange an interview or request a photograph, please contact Insight Communications. Opportunities include:

Senator The Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications &
Digital Economy
Ms Jean Kittson Ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2010
Ms Paula Benson - Director of Ovarian Cancer Australia and ovarian
cancer survivor
Simon Lee Chairman of Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Medical experts on ovarian cancer and current treatments


For a digital media kit to download which includes photographs, MP3 newsgrab, pdf media kit and 30 Second TVC visit: https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=S1VBek9sUnJtNEpMWEE 9PQ


Detailed information about the signs, symptoms and treatment of ovarian cancer and the Family & Friends brochure are included on pages 3-6 in this media kit.


Please contact Insight Communications for more information, photographs or to arrange an interview.

Clare Collins - Insight Communications Alice Collins Insight Communications
P: 02 9319 3844 P: 02 9319 3844
M: 0414 821 957 M: 0414 686 091
E: [email protected] E: [email protected]



Journalist Notes

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is the initiative of Ovarian Cancer Australia


February 1, is Ovarian Cancer Australias Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to help save lives by raising awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and provide support for those touched by ovarian cancer.

In 2010, more than 1500 Australia women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer More than 850 will die from the disease thats 1 woman every 11 hours
75% of women are diagnosed in the advanced stages and will not live beyond 5 years
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in Australian women Ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages girls as young as 7 have been diagnosed. But the risk of getting ovarian cancer increases with age. The average age for an ovarian cancer diagnosis is 64
There is no detection test a Pap smear does NOT detect ovarian cancer
The majority of Australian women DONT know the symptoms of ovarian cancer but almost all women with ovarian cancer suffer symptoms
To ensure a good chance of survival it is essential that ovarian cancer is caught in the early stages
If found in the early stages, the majority of women will be alive and well after five years
Awareness of symptoms is the principle means of early diagnosis to save lives! With the help of the media, we aim to save lives by educating women about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. We aim to inform them about what to do if they have symptoms, empowering them to manage their health

Who is Ovarian Cancer Australia?

Ovarian Cancer Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation providing support and advocacy for people affected by ovarian cancer, and is the peak body for ovarian cancer awareness and prevention. Our programs are focused in these important areas:

Promoting awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms in the community giving Australian women and their healthcare providers a better understanding of the early signs of ovarian cancer

Providing support networks and resources to women and their families and friends affected by ovarian cancer

Advocating with medical professionals, government and the media for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer

We are the only organisation that works with Australian women, their families and friends who have been affected by ovarian cancer


Ovarian Cancer Australia Exists To:

Save womens lives by raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer

Support those touched by ovarian cancer Be the voice of ovarian cancer awareness and prevention in Australia

How Many Women In Australia Have Ovarian Cancer?

1 in 70 Australian women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Each year, more than 850 Australian women will lose their battle with ovarian cancer thats one woman every 11 hours.

What Is The Life Expectancy For A Woman Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer?

75% of women are diagnosed in the advanced stages and will not live beyond 5 years. If diagnosed early, the majority of those women will survive. This is why awareness and early detection is so important.


Who Is At Risk Of Developing Ovarian Cancer?

Factors that are considered to increase the risk of ovarian cancer are:

Age women over the age of 45 are at greater risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, it affects women of all ages - ovarian cancer has been diagnosed in girls as young as 7

Never having taken the contraceptive pill

Having few or no pregnancies

A high-fat diet, being overweight and smoking

A history of cancer in the family, especially ovarian, breast or some bowel cancers (approximately 10% of all ovarian cancer cases are due to an inherited gene fault and these are found in 1 in 500 people in Australia)

Being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent

Facts About Ovarian Cancer In Australia

This year, 1500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer; more than 850 will die from the
disease
There is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer
The majority of Australian women do not know the symptoms of ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in Australian women

What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer?

The four most frequently reported symptoms from women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer are:

Persistent abdominal pain or pelvic (lower abdominal) pain
A noticeable increase in abdominal size or abdominal bloating
Needing to rush to the toilet to urinate often or urgently
Feeling full quickly or finding it difficult to eat

Other symptoms that have been commonly reported by women with ovarian
cancer include:

Vague but persistent stomach upsets such as wind, nausea, heart burn or indigestion
Vaginal bleeding
Change in bowel habits
Weight loss or weight gain Excessive fatigue

If these symptoms persist even after prescribed treatment for other more common conditions (for example irritable bowel syndrome), women should ask their GP to consider the possibility of ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Australia provides free symptom diaries to download from their website so that women can track what they are experiencing and be able to better communicate with their GP.

Is There A Test For Ovarian Cancer?

No! There is NO early detection screening test for ovarian cancer. A Pap smear does NOT detect Ovarian cancer. This is why awareness of the symptoms is critical to Australian women

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Ovarian cancer can only be confirmed at the point of surgery. If ovarian cancer is suspected, a GP will recommend tests which can suggest if ovarian cancer is a possibility, these include the CA125 test, and a trans-vaginal ultrasound, but these tests cannot be used to screen for or diagnose ovarian cancer.


How Is It Treated?

When ovarian cancer is confirmed during surgery, a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries on both sides), omentectomy (removal of the fatty tissue that covers the bowels), lymphadenectomy (removal of one or more lymph nodes) may be performed.

Awareness Is The Key To Saving Lives - We Raise Awareness By Promoting:

Australias annual awareness month is February
2010 Teal Ribbon Day is Wednesday 24 February
Teal is the international colour representing ovarian cancer

About Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an international campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. In 2010 in Australia Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held in February. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is also a time when Ovarian Cancer Australia, their volunteers and friends, raise funds for their programs and resources to support women with ovarian cancer and to ensure every woman in Australia knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

How Do Donations Make A Difference To The Lives Of Women Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer?

Donations of $2.00 or more are gratefully received and fully tax deductible. Donations are critical in helping fund Ovarian Cancer Australias support programs and resources for patients and their families.

These programs and resources include:

1300 Referral Line
Support groups for women with ovarian cancer to meet regularly to talk about common issues, share information and provide emotional support to help them cope with diagnosis and treatment
Rural and Regional Tele-Support Group for women who are unable to travel to the support group meetings
An online forum where ovarian cancer sufferers can share their stories and offer advice and support to other sufferers
Symptom Diary a useful tool for women to track symptoms and better communicate what they are experiencing with their GP
Resilience a free resource for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer consisting of a diary/journal and an information pack that provides up-to-date information support and advice "Ovarian Cancer - The Journey" - Patient Resource DVD and "Silent No More" - Community Awareness DVD
Research - Ovarian Cancer Australia also supports the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study, a collaborative research program between clinicians, scientists, patients and advocacy groups aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer

Why Is Teal The Colour We Use For Our Ribbons & Branding?

Teal is the international colour for ovarian cancer

How Can I Support Women & Their Families Who Are Battling Ovarian Cancer?

Buy a Teal Ribbon from Ovarian Cancer Australia
Donate to Ovarian Cancer Australia. Donations of $2.00 or more are gratefully received and fully tax deductible
Host a morning tea or BBQ with your friends and colleagues to raise funds
Distribute a symptom diary or awareness brochures and posters to all the women in your life; awareness saves lives

For more information on ovarian cancer, or to make a tax deductible donation or purchase teal ribbons (minimum quantity of 5 at $2 each) please contact Ovarian Cancer Australia.
Phone: 1300 660 334 - Email: [email protected] - Website: ovariancancer.net.au



Family & Friends Brochure
Ovarian Cancer Australias Family & Friends brochure has been created to provide invaluable information for the families and friends of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is a difficult time for women and for their families and friends. Ovarian cancer is too big for one or two people to face. The best way for people to cope is within a support network.

A crucial part of most womens support networks is the love and care provided by family and friends. But sometimes family and friends dont realise just how important their love and support is for a woman who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Family and friends may find themselves worried that there is nothing they can do to help and may be afraid they might say or do something that will upset her.

This booklet will help you support your loved one with ovarian cancer and her family. It also includes information specifically for partners, and the importance of caring for themselves during this challenging time.

This booklet will help families and friends support their loved one with ovarian cancer and her family. It also includes information specifically for partners, and the importance of caring for themselves during this challenging time.




For Media Enquiries Please Contact:

Clare Collins - Insight Communications Alice Collins - Insight Communications
P: 02 9319 3844 P: 02 9319 3844
M: 0414 821 957 M: 0414 686 091
E: [email protected] E: [email protected]


SOURCE: Ovarian Cancer Australia






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