Devonshire Teal at Tin Can Bay

ovarian cancerMay 8 is World Ovarian Cancer Day and teal is the international colour for ovarian cancer. Help raise funds for prevention by attending at 2.30pm for a “Devonshire Teal” at Marina Bar & Grill, Tin Can Bay.

Organiser Judith Palmer  said a lot of people missed out on the previous fundraiser, “My daughter Karen spoke about the impact ovarian cancer places on the immediate family as well as extended family and close friends and the ongoing changes it makes to one’s life while battling the necessary treatments .”

“As a mother of three daughters, Karen is doing everything in her power to support research into the prevention and cure for ovarian cancer.”

Each day in Australia four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer although if diagnosed early, the majority of women can survive.

Rainbow’s Dr David Smith advises, “Carcinoma of the ovary is so dangerous because it is usually a late diagnosis. The condition is more common in post menopausal women and there may be no symptoms.

“Unexplained abdominal pain or increase in abdominal girth should be investigated in this age group. I order CT scan and Ca 125. Unfortunately this blood test is not reliable as a screening test. It becomes more useful with a previous diagnosis when looking for progression or recurrence.”

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift explains,“Ovarian cancer is one of the hardest cancers to detect, it’s the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer, and less than half of all women diagnosed will survive five years. 

“In Queensland each year, around 248 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 137 women die from the disease.

Ms Clift says ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are ones that many women will normally experience from time to time and are often symptoms of less serious and more common health problems. 

“When new symptoms occur, and persist for two weeks or more, book in an appointment with your GP.

“Luckily, most women with relatable symptoms will not have ovarian cancer and your doctor will first identify more common causes of these symptoms.”

There will be lucky door prizes, wellness discussions and ovarian cancer information at the event. Tickets are only $15, to book ring Judith Palmer on 0754864571 or 0488008005  or Lyn Barrett  on 042199358507.

Symptoms to look for:

increased abdominal size or bloating, unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling full and/or having difficulty eating, increased urinary urgency or change in bowel habits, unexplained weight gain or loss, vaginal bleeding, back pain, indigestion or nausea, excessive fatigue Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift

 

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