MEDIA RELEASE [DATE]
[Suburb] Afternoon Teal raises $[Amount] for Ovarian Cancer Australia
Raising much needed funds and awareness for ovarian cancer, local resident [Host’s Full Name] hosted an Afternoon Teal – teal being the international colour for the disease – for friends and family at [his/her] [suburb] home as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
With [number of guests] guests attending, [Mr/Ms Host’s Surname]’s Afternoon Teal raised $[amount raised] in support of Ovarian Cancer Australia’s work.
[Mr/Ms Host’s Surname] was inspired to host the fundraiser, having [been personally affected by ovarian cancer/been shocked to learn that ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all women’s cancers].
“[Quote on how you have been personally affected by the disease, if applicable, e.g. Our Afternoon Teal was held in memory of/in support for my friend/mum/sister/colleague...],” said [Mr/Ms Host’s Surname].
“[Quote on why you thinks it is important to host an Afternoon Teal, e.g. It is important to host an Afternoon Teal, not just to raise vital funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia’s lifesaving work, but also to ensure that everyone knows the signs and symptoms of the disease],” said [Mr/Ms Host’s Surname].
This February, Ovarian Cancer Australia is calling on all Australians to #KnowAskAct by knowing the signs and symptoms, asking about a family history of cancer and acting to help raise funds for and awareness of ovarian cancer.
Only 43 per cent of women with ovarian cancer will still be alive five years after theirinitial diagnosis. In comparison, the overall five year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 89 per cent. There is currently no early detection test for ovarian cancer.
Jane Hill, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, stressed the importance of knowing and recognising the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
“If diagnosed in its early stages,women have an 80 per cent chance of being alive and well after five years. Unfortunately,75 per cent of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage when it is difficult to treat successfully. Without an early detection test, knowing the signs and symptoms is the best chance for survival,” said Ms Hill.
“Symptoms commonly include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating, the need to urinate often or urgently, or feeling full after eating a small amount,” she continued.
Genetics and family history are responsible for up to one in five incidences of ovarian cancer. Thus, it is important for women to ask about their family’s history of both ovarian and breast cancer, as the occurrence of breast cancer is linked to the same genetic mutations (faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) that can cause ovarian cancer.
“If women are more aware of their family history and genetic risk, and discuss this with their GPs, they can take steps to managing their risk of developing the disease such as preventative surgery and increased monitoring,” Ms Hill said.
Ovarian Cancer Australia aims to raise $500,000 this February through Afternoon Teals. The organisation relies on community fundraising to deliver their awareness, support, advocacy and research programs.
Those interested in hosting an Afternoon Teal can register by visiting or by emailing
Australians can also raise funds by wearing a Teal Ribbon throughout February – particularly on Teal Ribbon Day, 22nd February 2017 – by purchasing a Teal Ribbon from TerryWhite Chemmart nationwide or from
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
Yumeko Leung, P: 03 8628 9319 | M: 0402 127 903 | E:
Nicolette Baxter, P: 03 8628 9320 | M: 0438 143 342 | E:
About Ovarian Cancer Australia:
Ovarian Cancer Australia is the independent national organisation that takes action for people affected by ovarian cancer and was founded in 2001 by a group of people who had been affected by ovarian cancer, either themselves or through someone they loved. Ovarian Cancer Australia provides support for women and their families, raises community awareness of ovarian cancer, advocates for improved services for women and promotes and funds research. Ovarian Cancer Australia’s vision is to save lives and ensure that no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone. Their work is guided by their core values: “We listen. We are inclusive. We are courageous. We act with integrity.”
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