Kath Mazzella will share her own inspiring survival story.
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They claim the lives of six Australian women every day, with gynaecological cancers too often going undetected until it is too late.
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In time for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, the Soroptimist International of Cobram Barooga is fighting to raise awareness around gynaecological cancers, hosting a special brunch complete with survival stories and a side of humour.
Organiser Jenny Gaylard said the overall message of the brunch was to encourage women, no matter their age, to take control of their health and get checked.
“Now they have Pap (Papanicolaou) tests, which you can do yourself, and which means you haven’t got a health professional checking on other things down there,” she said.
Guest speaker Kath Mazzella will join physiotherapist and co-guest speaker Anna Bruton to share her survival story.
Since undergoing radical surgery for gynaecological cancer three decades ago, Ms Mazzella has advocated for women’s health.
The brunch will be held at the Barooga Sporties later this month.
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Owen Sinclair
Despite its serious subject, the atmosphere at the brunch will be light-hearted and relaxed.
“We want women of all ages to come, because it affects all women,” Mrs Gaylard said.
Funds raised by the brunch will go to gynaecological cancer research.
There are more than seven forms of gynaecological cancer, including cervical cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer.
A report published this month by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group found that, every day, 19 women would be diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer.
ANZGOG chief executive Alison Evans said gynaecological cancers had some of the poorest outcomes and the widest inequities of any major cancer group.
“Women are being diagnosed late, they are unable to access the best treatments for their cancer and are left feeling isolated and unheard. This must change,” she said.
Alison Evans says research into gynaecological cancer saves lives. Source: ANZGOG.
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The Gynaecological Health Brunch will be held at the Barooga Sporties on Sunday, September 21, with doors opening at 10am for a 10.30am start.
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