Surf Coast Times & Bellarine Times

A simple cup of tea could help raise awareness of ovarian cancer this month.

February 29 is Teal Ribbon Day, the colour chosen to represent ovarian cancer which is the sixth highest cause of cancer death in women in Australia.

Ovarian Cancer Australia is encouraging everyone to make one cup of tea count by hosting an “Afternoon Teal” during February, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, to spread awareness.

Ovarian Cancer Australia’s website has a handy guide on how to host an Afternoon Teal and they are encouraging everyone to donate the money they would usually spend out at a cafe to the research of the disease. The pack includes brochures and promotional material.

“One Australian woman will lose her battle with ovarian cancer every 11 hours,” said Meshel Laurie, Nova radio personality and ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia.

“If diagnosed in the early stages most women will survive however there’s no detection test, this is why it’s so important for women to know the symptoms. Aussies love a good cuppa and considering almost half of us drink two to three cups of tea or coffee every day, it’s very easy for people to make their cuppa count this February.”

Forty per cent of women surveyed by Ovarian Cancer Australia believed that it is a silent disease and has no symptoms. While ovarian cancer can’t be detected with a pap smear, there are certain symptoms that can lead to diagnosis, such as abdominal pain and bloating, the persistent need to urinate, feeling full quickly, bleeding, and sudden, unexpected weight loss.

Paula Benson, Ovarian cancer survivor and chair of Ovarian Cancer Australia, said that women “need to know their bodies and stay vigilant”, and if they experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks they should see their doctor.

For more information or for an Afternoon Teal promotion pack, head to www.ovariancancer.net.au.