February's Ovarian Cancer Awareness campaign is garnering support from the pharmacy profession, with Chemmart NSW stepping up its efforts to highlight the disease's symptoms.
In an effort to deliver an important health message to women at risk of ovarian cancer, state manager of Chemmart NSW, Sharon Clark, and the campaign’s ambassador, comedian Jean Kittson, teamed up in a group of 11 Australians urging women not to leave symptoms of ovarian cancer until the 11th hour.
One in 70 Australian women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime, with more than 850 Australian women losing their battle every year – or one woman every 11 hours.
"We all know about breast cancer but not enough women know about ovarian cancer and its symptoms that can provide early detection of the disease and give women a better chance of survival," said Ms Clark.
"If by working with Ovarian Cancer Australia we can help save the life of just one woman by raising awareness about the early symptoms of ovarian cancer as well as raise vital funds to support the invaluable services offered by Ovarian Cancer Australia, then we will have helped to make a difference."
While there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, acting on early symptoms can result in an earlier diagnosis and a better chance of beating the disease.
The most common four symptoms that 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.
For more information, visit www.ovariancancer.net.au.