FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                             DATE 04/02/10

 

Senator Helen Polley has taken the opportunity to talk candidly about her concerns over the sad statistics surrounding ovarian cancer in Australia by addressing the Senate.

 

In tribute to the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Senator Polley spoke of the need to educate people on the symptoms of ovarian cancer in an effort to reduce the high rates of mortality from the disease.

 

"1500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia each year." Senator Polley began. "Sadly, more than half these women will lose their battle."

"More concerning than this is that the rate of effective treatment and full recovery when diagnosed early is more than 90%. This tells us that early detection is critical."

 

Ovarian cancer is the 8^th highest occurring cancer yet is the 6^th largest cause of death for women by any means. Public awareness of this issue is lower in comparison to other forms of cancer.

 

The Rudd Government is investing a record $2 billion in this year’s Budget to build a world-class cancer care system in Australia.

 

This major investment is focused on building support networks, promoting cutting edge research and dramatically improving cancer outcomes for patients in rural and regional Australia.

 

Tasmanians are directly benefiting via the Rudd Government’s investments in cancer care, with $7.7m provided for Radiation oncology services at Launceston General Hospital, funding to recruit, train and employ a new breast cancer nurse in Hobart, $4.1m for PET scanner at Royal Hobart Hospital and $700,000 to purchase one digital machine as part of the progressive replacement of analogue machines.

 

“I would encourage all women to view the Symptoms Diary on the Ovarian Cancer Australia website. I would urge people to share this information with your female friends and relatives." Senator Polley concluded.

 

The Symptoms Diary, and other information on ovarian cancer, can be found at www.ovariancancer.net.au.