Australians are being urged to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer this month and wear a teal ribbon to express their support on 25 February.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said more than 1300 Australian women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.
"Ovarian cancer is an insidious disease affecting too many women in Australia," Senator Ruston said. "Sadly, three in every four women diagnosed in Australia will die from the disease.
"There are currently no screening tests for ovarian cancer available in Australia. It’s therefore very important that as a community we become more aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and support research efforts to limit its damaging effects on women and their families.
"February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian Cancer Australia is inviting Australians to buy and wear a teal ribbon for Teal Ribbon Day on 25 February to show their support."
The Australian Government has provided about $97.5 million for ovarian cancer research from 2000-2014, with forward commitments of around $12.5 million.
To support women with gynaecological cancers requiring care, the Government provides more than $1.5 million each year through Cancer Australia. Senator Ruston said much was still unknown about ovarian cancer.
"There’s a lot that researchers still need to understand about ovarian cancer," she said. "I urge everyone to show their support this month for women battling to overcome this disease."
For more information about Ovarian Cancer Month and Teal Ribbon Day, please visit https://ovariancancer.net.au
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