This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, four ovarian cancer survivors have joined forces to warn other women not to dismiss early symptoms of the deadly disease, which are often vague and are easily misdiagnosed.
The women have partnered with fashion retailer Black Pepper to raise awareness and much needed funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia. They will feature in a new campaign across Black Pepper’s 80 stores, including store windows during February to coincide with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
One of the women featured in the campaign, Renata, said it was two years and multiple visits to a naturopath, her GP, and other specialists with symptoms before an autoimmune condition led to her diagnosis of Stage 3 C advanced ovarian cancer in February 2022.
‘I was juggling a lot of changes in my personal life when what I believe were the initial symptoms presented, and while my regular, prolonged viral infections and multiple pelvic issues weren’t ignored, health professionals attributed them to things like age, lifestyle and normal female complaints,’ she says.
‘It took me being incredibly unwell for doctors to find the cancer and I feel extremely lucky that they did.’
Symptoms missed
Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Chief National Ovarian Cancer Advocacy and Support Services, Bridget Bradhurst, says, ‘Being a lower-incidence cancer that often presents with vague symptoms, those presenting to their GPs are often not considering their symptoms may be attributed to ovarian cancer.’
‘We hope that by raising awareness of the disease and elevating the voices of women impacted by ovarian cancer, we can change the landscape of this disease. For all those diagnosed in the future, we want to improve their experiences and outcomes by providing ongoing access to specialist support services.
‘Additionally, we aim to continue our advocacy efforts to see increased research funding and greater access to effective and affordable treatments.’
Renata’s experience is shared by fellow ovarian cancer survivors and Karen, Narelle and Luisa.
56-year-old Karen lost her mother to Ovarian Cancer 27 years ago and has since discovered that she and both of her daughters carry the BRCA1 gene.
‘Knowledge is power. Having an understanding of your body and health, along with your family’s medical history will help you identify if something doesn’t feel right,’ Karen said.
‘Unfortunately, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer but I do not let the cancer control me. I have so much more living to do.’
The two additional women in the campaign are 54-year-old Luisa, who was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer after she insisted on getting to the bottom of her increasing fatigue, hair loss, and bloating, and 44-year-old Narelle, whose diagnosis came as a complete shock as she didn’t present any of the usual symptoms.
One woman every eight hours
The campaign showcases the four women modelling Black Pepper clothing including two specially designed scarves, a blouse and top, with a portion of sales going to Ovarian Cancer Australia. The partnership, now in its ninth year, aims to raise $100,000 to support women with ovarian cancer, which remains Australia’s deadliest female cancer, claiming the life of one woman every eight hours.
‘Black Pepper is so proud to be able to put a spotlight on the much-needed support that OCA provides women who face the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Bringing the campaign to life with women and their stories is very special to our team and to our community of customers,’ said Black Pepper General Manager, Rachel Digby.
‘It’s a privilege to enter our ninth year in partnership with OCA and do our bit to contribute to a very worthy cause.’
The scarves will retail for $29.99, top for $79.99 and the blouse for $99.99. Pens and ribbons will also be sold in-store during February which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. They will be available to shop online via www.blackpepper.com.au and in stores nationally during February.
Funds raised will go to Ovarian Cancer Australia to assist the nurses who work closely with patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
About OCA
Ovarian Cancer Australia is an independent national not-for-profit organisation supporting people impacted by ovarian cancer. Their focus is to provide care and support those affected by ovarian cancer and their families and represent them by leading change.
Ovarian Cancer Australia is the only organisation in Australia that provides free access to specialist ovarian cancer nurses to anyone affected by ovarian cancer, no matter where they live.
