Help us change the odds for ovarian cancer.
Help us change the odds of ovarian cancer.
There’s no easy way to say it. One in two women who receive a diagnosis will not live longer than 5 years.
These odds are simply not good enough. You can help us change them.
Donate to support women like Sharon
Donate now to help us continue to provide free tailored information and support services nationwide, and drive change through our specialist advocacy team.
Ovarian Cancer - The Facts
Ovarian Cancer - The Facts
1 Australian woman dies from ovarian cancer every 8 hours.
There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer.
70% of women diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will have a recurrence within 3 years.
Please donate what you can to help support women impacted by ovarian cancer today, as well as change the odds for more women tomorrow.
Sharon's Story
Sharon's Story
When Sharon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her world turned upside down. “At first, I was like, why? Why me? How did this happen? I didn't know much about ovarian cancer, but I quickly learned that it doesn’t discriminate.”
She started feeling unwell after a family trip. At first, she thought it was just stress from travelling. But when she lost a lot of weight, she decided to see a doctor. Since her regular doctor wasn't available, she saw another one and said, "I don’t know what’s wrong, but I don’t feel right in my gut.”
Her symptoms were initially misdiagnosed as constipation, leading to an X-ray without further investigation. When her symptoms persisted, she revisited the doctor, stressing her unimproved health. Further tests confirmed her ovarian cancer diagnosis in August 2023.
Like many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Sharon immediately started treatment. She faced numerous challenges, including a severe reaction to her chemotherapy drug that required a treatment change.
Everything happened quickly for Sharon. She lost her hair two weeks after her first chemotherapy session and underwent a full hysterectomy at the end of November.
Before her diagnosis, she was unfamiliar with ovarian cancer, the deadliest female cancer in Australia. “As a less well-known cancer, I think it flies under the radar a bit,” so she was grateful to have resources available to support her with her Teal Support Program nurse, Di.
“It’s an ongoing battle. The other day I was in the shower, and I just started crying and I don't even know why. I suppose everything was going so well with the treatment and I was so hopeful. And now we're back to square one.”
"I had my son's year 12 graduation the week after chemo, and I was hoping I'd still have hair for that, but I didn't. It was all gone."
“With Di, she understands. She gives me a call, and it could be the day that I needed just to chat to someone. It’s an ongoing battle. But it’s okay, we'll deal with it, and we'll keep fighting,” says Sharon.
Sharon shares her story from a place of positivity and hope, thanks to the support of her family, friends, and her Teal Nurse, Di. She expresses gratitude for Ovarian Cancer Australia's support, particularly from Di who has offered her valuable perspective and information.
As we share Sharon's story, her cancer has come back. Sadly, this is so very common for women diagnosed with this dreadful disease. She is undergoing another round of treatment and has had her world turned upside down yet again.
Please donate what you can by June 30th to support women like Sharon, as well as change the odds for more women tomorrow.
About Ovarian Cancer Australia
About Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia is the only organisation in Australia that provides free access to specialist ovarian cancer nurses to anyone affected by ovarian cancer, no matter where they live.
We also provide access to free evidence-based holistic support programs that address unmet needs women experience once diagnosed.
