2010 Media Releases
Willoughby City Council joins forces with Ovarian Cancer Australia to help drive life saving awareness
05 February 2010
During February, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Willoughby City Council is proud to partner with Ovarian Cancer Australia in an important community health initiative that aims to educate our community about the risks and symptoms of this life-threatening disease.
Every 11 hours an Australian woman will die from ovarian cancer which is why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (an initiative of Ovarian Cancer Australia) is critical in raising awareness of the disease and in helping women to recognise the symptoms so they can seek early treatment that could help save their lives.
There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer and while most women think they are protected through a Pap smear, the test does not detect the disease that is the sixth most common cause of cancer death among Australian women today.
Nicole Livingstone, co-founder and Ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia said, “Every woman in Australia needs to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. We’re extremely grateful to Willoughby City Council for their support which has enabled us to reach women and families throughout this community.”
“If ovarian cancer is discovered in the early stages, the majority of women will make a full recovery, and so understanding the symptoms and knowing what to look for, is currently the only means of early detection that can save lives,” Nicole Livingstone said.
Willoughby City Council Mayor Pat Reilly proudly supports the Ovarian Cancer Australia health care initiative. “It’s imperative that we raise awareness and educate the local and wider community about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the importance of early detection” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly. “I urge community members to monitor their health and visit their local doctor if they recognise any symptoms,” said the Mayor.
The most common four symptoms which women with ovarian cancer experience frequently and persistently are: pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size or persistent bloating, increased urinary frequency, and difficulty eating and/or feeling full quickly.
Chairman of Ovarian Cancer Australia Simon Lee said, “Ovarian Cancer Australia provides vital support to women affected by the disease and their families. We created Awareness Month to help save lives through educating women throughout our community, ensuring every woman knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is often considered a silent killer; however 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.
We greatly value the support of Council in helping to deliver these vital messages about ovarian cancer to women in this community,” he said.
To learn more about the risks, signs and symptoms or to make a donation please visit www.ovariancancer.net.au. Don’t leave it until the eleventh hour!
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 us:
Phone: 1300 660 334
Email: admin@ovariancancer.net.au
Website: ovariancancer.net.au
Media Contact
Media and Marketing Group Manager
Phone: 9777 7703
Mobile: 0421 492 757
Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au