In Australia this year, approximately 1,800 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That’s 1,800 too many—too many friends, sisters, aunties and mothers affected by our country’s deadliest female cancer. With only a 49% five-year survival rate and no early-detection test, ovarian cancer needs more awareness, support and funding than ever before. As part of our Hairhouse Foundation, we’ve partnered with Ovarian Cancer Australia—an independent national not-for-profit organisation supporting people impacted by ovarian cancer. Here, we’ll tell you a little more about the incredible work this organisation is doing and how you can support them in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. Together with our communities, we can help face ovarian cancer head on.
The statistics
The biggest eye-opening statistic that motivates us to support Ovarian Cancer Australia is that 1,800 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia this year alone on average, making it our nation’s deadliest female cancer. This is a disheartening number, as is the fact that 5 women in Australia are diagnosed every day, and 3 of those 5 will die. 70% of women diagnosed with an advanced form of ovarian cancer will have a recurrence.
The symptoms
Unlike breast or cervical cancer, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer. Symptoms are often vague and non-descript, like persistent abdominal bloating and pain, changes in bowel or bladder habits and feeling full after eating a small amount. This makes early diagnosis extremely challenging. Women have to be tuned into their bodies more than ever. If they recognise any of these signs a visit to the GP is imperative.
A closer look at Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA)
The way we see it, every woman with ovarian cancer should receive the support they need. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, it creates a ripple effect and touches their family, friendship group and the wider community—so it’s important that everyone affected by ovarian cancer can receive the support they need. That’s where Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) comes in. It’s the only Australian organisation that provides free access to specialist ovarian cancer nurses to anyone affected by ovarian cancer, no matter where they live.
They also offers access to free evidence-based holistic support programs and resources that address unmet needs women and their loved ones experience following diagnosis. Their specialist advocacy team works tirelessly to update policies and procedures, ensuring access to optimal care and directing large-scale funding to create better outcomes for people with ovarian cancer. While their Clinical Services Team of psychologists and social workers offer holistic support and guidance. For Ovarian Cancer Australia, their vision is simple: to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone. And this Mother’s Day, you can help ensure they don’t.
How you can help us support Ovarian Cancer Australia
Our commitment to supporting Ovarian Cancer Australia through the Hairhouse Foundation is unwavering, but it feels especially poignant and worthy of the spotlight in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. After all, many of those 1,800 women who are diagnosed are mums. We want to do everything we can to ensure Ovarian Cancer Australia can continue to raise awareness, support women and their loved ones affected by ovarian cancer, and generate funding for essential programs, covering care, resources, treatment and research.
If you have any questions or need support, please contact Ovarian Cancer Australia’s support nurses via the Helpline on 1300 660 334 (during business hours AEDT) for any further information or assistance.
You can help us support Ovarian Cancer Australia by purchasing selected products in the lead-up to Mother’s Day. A portion of proceeds from every purchase from brands Alterna, Biolage, Bondi Boost, Curious Grace, Coco & Eve, Color Wow, Cloud Nine, Dyson, Davroe, Halo, ghd, Goldwell, Juuce, KMS, Kerasilk, Make, Matrix, Moroccanoil, Nioxin, Olaplex, Pure, Redken, Revlon, Schwarzkop, Sexy Hair and Wella will be donated to OCA.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of the LIMITED EDITION Mermade Hair Double Waver in Teal will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Australia. Last, but definitely not least, purchase a LIMITED EDITION OCA Tote Bag, with 100% of profits going to Ovarian Cancer Australia.