Each year in Australia around 1,900 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In most cases the cancer will be diagnosed at an advanced stage, where it is very difficult to treat.

Wednesday 25^th of February is National Teal Ribbon Day for Ovarian Cancer.

We’re calling on our community to get your ribbons out and wear them proudly on February.

‌Wearing your teal ribbon every day will start conversations that change lives, it will increase awareness of the disease and it will help raise funds to support people affected by ovarian cancer.

Buy a ribbon through Ovarian Cancer Australia's Website or at your nearest participating Terry White Chemmart and help us turn February teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Our Goals & Priorities in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month:

1. Educate. Only 31% of Australians know that ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia. This devastating disease suffers from a lack of awareness and progress, we will continue to spread evidence-based information every Australian should know about this disease.
2. Advocate on behalf of those impacted by ovarian cancer for more research funding, policy reform, greater access to affordable treatment options and ultimately better outcomes for all those affected.
3. Elevate the voices of women impacted by this disease by sharing their stories, their real life experiences and getting these stories in front of as many eyes and ears as possible.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms for ovarian cancer can be vague and often difficult to diagnosis. It is very important you see your GP if you have any of the symptoms listed below that persist. Whilst many of these symptoms can be caused by other much less serious medical conditions, it is best to get checked. The earlier a cancer is found the more success there will be in treating it. The most commonly reported symptoms for ovarian cancer are:

• Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
• Abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• Needing to urinate often or urgently

Additional Symptoms may include:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Lower back pain
• Indigestion or nausea
• Bleeding after menopause or in-between periods
• Pain during sex or bleeding after

You know your body better than anyone else, so always listen to what your body is saying and trust your instincts.

It is important to remember that all the symptoms mentioned can be caused by other less serious medical conditions.

However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, which are persistent and troublesome, please see your doctor.

Source: Ovarian Cancer Australia

Please visit https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/ for further information and resources.