Locals, Hester van Niekerk and Bev Gibson, have fundraised $14,000 for gynaecological cancer research, after their friend and work colleague Susan Nolan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Sue, a former Kingborough Councillor and a former CEO of Blackmans Bay Children Services, received a diagnosis of the advanced stage of the condition.
In correspondence with the (ITALICS) Kingborough Chronicle, Hester noted that Sue has “over a very long period supported many families within our community and further afield”.
After becoming aware of the condition, Sue said her aim has been to help raise funds for clinical trials to develop screening tests to detect ovarian cancer in the early stages.
Every day in Australia, 17 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, according to a national organisation undertaking clinical research on gynaecological cancer.
The Australian and New Zealand Gynaecological Group (ANZGOG) states on its website that more than 6600 Australian women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer every year and, sadly, five women die from the disease each day.
While cancer survival improved by 19 percent over the past 25 years, gynaecological cancer survival improved by only 7 per cent.
The statistics tell us that 54 per cent of women with ovarian cancer will not survive five years after diagnosis.
“Cancer has a reasonably high profile in the media,” remarked Susan Nolan.
“However, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I realised that I did not know anything about this type of cancer and did not know of anyone who had it.
“I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
“The majority of women are diagnosed in the advanced stages (Stages 3 and 4).
“Unfortunately, with this cancer there is no screening test.
“Research is underway to try and develop better screening tests to detect ovarian cancer at the early stages and improve patient outcomes.
“It is with these thoughts in mind that two of my work colleagues and friends decided to raise money for ANZGOG.
“Bev and Hester have been running a raffle for the past three months and raised $14,000.
“My thanks go to both for their hard work and thoughtfulness, to those who supported me in contributing to the sale of tickets, donation of raffle prizes and those who purchased tickets.”
To learn more about the risks and symptoms for all gynaecological cancers, visit www.anzgog.org.au/inform/gynaecological-cancers/
CAP: Locals, Hester van Niekerk and Bev Gibson, have fundraised $14,000 for gynaecological cancer research, after their friend and work colleague Susan Nolan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Pictured (front) Cancer Care Co-ordinator for gynaecological oncology services, Adele Hudson, Bev Gibson, Susan Nolan, Hester van Niekerk, Phillip Nolan, (back) Gynaecologic Oncologist, Dr Michael Bunting and Jimmy of JJ Bikes. (PS)
