The San goes teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, with staff and visitors encouraged to wear teal to raise awareness of Australia’s most lethal female cancer.

Approximately 1,900 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, with a five-year survival rate of just 49%. Tragically, 70% of women diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will experience a recurrence within three years.

One of the greatest challenges with ovarian cancer is that there is no effective, population-wide screening test available. Additionally, symptoms are often vague and non-specific, meaning they are often mistaken for other conditions and overlooked for long periods before diagnosis.

Due to this, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease is more difficult to treat. Therefore, awareness and education are critical to ensure women can recognise symptoms early.

Common symptoms may include persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, changes in appetite, unexplained fatigue, changes in bowel or urinary habits, and unexplained weight loss or gain. Awareness of personal risk factors, including family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer, is also important.

Here at the San, women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are supported through the care of Gynaecological Cancer Patient Navigator, Jude Jackson, who works closely with patients, families and clinicians to guide women through every stage of their cancer journey.

Jude is part of the San’s growing Cancer Navigation Team, which includes specialist nurses across multiple cancer streams. She works with patients referred by oncologists or through the San’s fortnightly multidisciplinary team meetings. Jude also facilitates a monthly gynaecological cancer support group at Jacaranda Lodge.

Jude’s role operates Tuesdays and Thursdays and is kindly funded by the San Foundation, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to supporting the whole patient journey alongside the expertise of our world-class surgical and oncology teams.

“It is my privilege to be able to provide personalised support, tailored education relating to treatment options, connect patients to support services and advocate for all women affected by ovarian cancer to ensure they are not alone on their cancer journey from diagnosis, treatment and beyond,” says Jude.

Throughout February, the Cancer Support Team will be selling teal ribbons ($3) and pens ($4) throughout the hospital to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia. They will be available in the Cancer Support Centre, Day Infusion and San Gifts.

“By simply wearing the teal ribbon throughout February, you can help start conversations and increase awareness of the disease, while helping to raise funds to support women affected by Ovarian Cancer,” says Jude.