Wednesday 8 May is World Ovarian Cancer Day, an important day to shine a light on New Zealand’s least survivable gynaecological cancer. With one woman diagnosed every 29 hours, and a five-year survival rate of just 36% it’s crucial that New Zealanders learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer, and support the Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s efforts to improve ovarian cancer care in New Zealand.
For many women, the journey to diagnosis is challenging. Over 20% of women take longer than a year to receive a diagnosis, from first presenting to their doctor with symptoms. For many women that time is spent in pain, both physically and emotionally after being dismissed and being told things like “it’s in your head” or “you just need to lose weight”. Living with ovarian cancer is difficult too, with ongoing treatments, limited access to modern medicines and the constant worry of recurrence.
This World Ovarian Cancer Day, the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ) is raising awareness of the of the impact an ovarian cancer diagnosis has, not only on the incredible, strong women who live with ovarian cancer, but their families and loved ones too.
This years campaign features Harrison, whose mum Sara was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2017. The campaign focuses on the idea that ovarian cancer isn’t just a women’s problem – an ovarian cancer diagnosis impacts families, friends, loved ones. It’s something that everyone needs to be aware of.
Sara regularly shares her experiences and thoughts about ovarian cancer and educates people about life with ovarian cancer. Recently she has been sharing her experience of going through chemotherapy and other treatments, after recurrences of her cancer in 2023 and now again in 2024.
Alongside Sara and Harrison, the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand is dedicated to raising awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. OCFNZ General Manager, Whitney Gernhoefer says ”Sara, Harrison and all New Zealanders affected by ovarian cancer inspire us in our work. As the least survivable women’s cancer, World Ovarian Cancer Day is an important day to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, giving all Kiwi women the best chance of early detection.”
The Ovarian Cancer Foundation encourages all New Zealanders to learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer today. This will give you the best chance to recognise the symptoms of ovarian cancer and advocate for yourself or a loved one.
