Unite this May For World Ovarian Cancer Day

Today marks the second annual World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD), signifying a day of international unity and combined strength for the 250,000 women who are diagnosed and the 140,000 women who will die of the disease globally each year.
This year, 59 organisations from 24 countries have pledged their support, unified by a crucial objective of increasing awareness of ovarian cancer and connecting people internationally with the resources available to educate others.

Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO Alison Amos said as the peak national body for ovarian cancer in Australia, Ovarian Cancer Australia is proud to represent Australian women in this global campaign.

'It is imperative that we work closely with our international colleagues as we combine and amplify each other's efforts to achieve significant momentum in the global movement to overcome this devastating disease," she said.

As part of its contribution to the evolving national ovarian cancer research effort, Ovarian Cancer Australia is leading the development of a National Action Plan, in collaboration with clinicians, researchers, women with ovarian cancer, industry stakeholders, and other cancer charities and organisations.

Ms Amos said the Plan will provide a blueprint to clearly define priorities for research investment and guide collaborations between researchers and funders.
'We are living in a time where there is truly great potential for the experience of ovarian cancer to be improved for women throughout the world – and this demands of us focused, coordinated and collaborative efforts," she said.

'Developing sustainable models for research funding with transparency and the highest standards of accountability at their core is essential to our progress, and vital in achieving our vision to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone."

The theme for this year's World Ovarian Cancer Day is One Voice for Every Woman with a focus of asking people to make a pledge at ovariancancerday.org to send an e-awareness message to five others who, in turn, are encouraged to pass it along to five more and so on, spreading the message across the globe.

To support the cause:
Make a pledge at www.ovariancancerday.org to receive an e-awareness message and on the 8 May, share it with five others
Make a donation at ovariancancer.net.au
Purchase a Colour for a Cause teal nail polish pack from Chemmart® Pharmacy (proceeds go to OCA).
Purchase a pack of greeting cards from Phoenix Trading ($5 from every sale goes to OCA).