It’s time to “teal up”.
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and residents are being encouraged to embrace all things teal – the international colour for ovarian cancer.
Melton South’s Nerida Van Drunen, an ovarian cancer survivor, is joining the ranks of ‘Afternoon Teal’ hosts who aim to raise money for, and awareness about, ovarian cancer research.
Already about 80 friends and family are invited to her afternoon tea event.
“It’s just about being there for one another and supporting each other and I really hope to help Ovarian Cancer Australia a bit more.”
Ms Van Drunen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the end of 2011 and started chemotherapy in 2012. She also underwent a hysterectomy.
The mother of one said the hardest thing now was knowing her son would never have a sibling.
Ms Van Drunen said having cancer was difficult to talk about when she was first diagnosed but she now feels good, is enjoying life and wants to inform others.
“I still tell people [that they need] to know the symptoms and know that pap smears are for cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer,” she said.
At her ‘Afternoon Teal’, Ms Van Drunen will tell guests about the symptoms to look out for and how to show support for someone battling ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all women’s cancers. Of 1400 Australian women diagnosed every year, 1000 die from the disease. There is no early detection test.
Teal ribbons and teal-coloured nail polish are available from Chemmart pharmacies and online as part of the month-long awareness campaign.
To find out more, call 1300 660 334 or visit www.ovariancancer.net.au
