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SMS STRATA’S AFTERNOON TEAL™ FOR
OVARIAN CANCER

Media Release - 22 JANUARY 2012

SMS Strata Management Group is hosting its first Afternoon Teal™ on Friday February 10 at 3pm to raise funds and awareness during ovarian cancer awareness month, this February.

SMS Strata Management Group in West High Street, Coffs Harbour, is organising the inaugural Afternoon Teal™ to educate women in the local community about the importance of knowing the symptoms of the disease.

“We are inviting both our Clients and our neighbours in the West High Street business and medical strip to join our staff in an Afternoon Tea-l,” said Karen Lewis, Strata Manager at SMS.

“Those who can’t make it or spare the time can always buy some of the great merchandise & ribbons we’ll have to help us reach our fundraising goal of $500… or take back a plate to the office for a small fee!” she said.

Ovarian Cancer Australia says awareness of the symptoms is vital as there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer – a pap smear does not detect the disease.
Each year 1,200 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 800 women die from the disease1 – that’s one woman every 11 hours.

With no early detection test it is imperative that women learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer and listen to their bodies. Currently 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the late stages where the disease is difficult to treat successfully.2
The four types of symptoms most frequently reported are3:

  1. Abdominal or pelvic pain
  2. Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
  3. Needing to urinate often or urgently
  4. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

If these symptoms are new for women and have persisted for two weeks or more it’s advised they visit their doctor.

Ovarian Cancer Australia, a leading national not-for-profit organisation, is dedicated to providing a range of support options for women and their families and raising awareness of ovarian cancer.

Contributions from fundraisers such as SMS Strata Management Group will help ensure Ovarian Cancer Australia can continue to provide their critical support and awareness programs.

ENDS

Event Media Enquiries:   
Karen Lewis, SMS Strata Manager, Ph: 02 6659 9600, email

Ovarian Cancer Australia Contact:
Helen Malley, Ph: 03 9654 0305, email: helen.malley@ovariancancer.net.au, web: www.ovariancancer.net.au

References:
1. http://canceraustralia.nbocc.org.au/ovarian-cancer/about/ovarian-cancer-statistics. Accessed September 2011
2. Kricker A. Ovarian Cancer in Australian Women, National Ovarian Cancer Centre, 2002
3. http://canceraustralia.nbocc.org.au/ovarian-cancer/about/5-things-women-should-know-about-ovarian-cancer. Accessed September 2011