Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is Teal Ribbon Day, and I rise to share the story of an ovarian cancer survivor and good friend of mine, Victoria Phillis. Each year 1400 women in Australia, like Victoria, are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 1,000 lose their battle with the disease.

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose with symptoms that often mirror less serious and more common health problems. Thankfully, Victoria did not ignore her symptoms and persisted with health professionals to get a correct and early diagnosis, and is now a 14-year survivor.

Importantly, today also marks the launch of National Action Plan for ovarian cancer research. A coordinated approach to research is a critical part of Ovarian Cancer Australia's 25/25 vision, aimed at improving the five-year survival rate of ovarian cancer by 25 per cent by the year 2025. Central to this vision is the need to improve awareness and early diagnosis; improve the identification of women at greatest risk; and increase access to effective treatments and care.

My electorate of Newcastle hosts world leaders in ovarian cancer research like Dr Nikola Bowden from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute. A coordinated approach to research will enable Dr Bowden and her colleagues to help more women like Victoria survive beyond five years from diagnosis. I have pledged my support for the 25/25 vision and encourage others to do so.