Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ

Nutrition can play a crucial role during an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Are you interested in learning which foods can support your gut and bowel health or understand how certain foods can affect inflammation?
Registered Dietician Gemma Dunkley shares her knowledge in this informative webinar all about nutrition - watch now!

https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/webinar-nutrition/

Congratulations, Isabella!

Last weekend, Isabella completed the Auckland Marathon, raising over $5,600 for OCFNZ in memory of her mum.

We’re continually inspired by incredible fundraisers like Isabella, whose efforts make a huge difference for people with ovarian cancer 💙

This morning, our General Manager, Whitney, and Trustee, Liz, met with Hon. Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women, to highlight the critical issues and inequities women with ovarian cancer face.

They discussed ways to collaborate to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes for women impacted by ovarian cancer. We were delighted to meet with the Minister and look forward to working together.

On Sunday Isabella is taking on the Auckland Marathon in memory of her Mum, Amy.

“I lost my beautiful Mum in February this year, and I am running the marathon in memory of her courage, sheer determination, and caring nature; even in her final days."

Join us in wishing Isabella good luck as she honours her mum!

Have you explored the resources and guides on our website?

We have a comprehensive ovarian cancer guide, information specific to several of the more common types of ovarian cancer, and guides and webinars covering nutrition, recurrence, managing the cognitive side effects of treatment and more - check them out now!

https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/resources/

This looks like so much fun!

Congrats to Anita and Sheena for hosting an incredible Frocktober High Tea on Sunday.
These wonderful women have been wearing frocks all month long to raise awareness of ovarian cancer - and over the weekend hosted a fundraising high tea.

Thank you for your support, and to Big Mountain Photographer for sharing these lovely photos 💙

We have been blown away by the incredible support we received from women in the Mrs. New Zealand pageant this year 💙

As the pageant’s official charity, contestants raised funds leading up to the event - from fashion shows and concerts to cooking classes and morning teas, the women collectively raised over $10,000 for OCFNZ.

A huge thank you to Nilda and the Mrs New Zealand team for putting on such a fabulous event, and to the contestants for their amazing support.

Did you know there are many different types of ovarian cancer?

Although they share some similarities, like the symptoms that are experienced and how they are diagnosed, there are some significant differences between them too.

Check out the slides below to learn about some of the more common types of ovarian cancer.

We are thrilled to announce the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand Grant recipient - Dr Aaron Stevens!

Dr. Stevens from the University of Otago, Wellington, has been awarded a grant for his pilot study, 'Identifying genetic and epigenetic drivers of low-grade serous carcinoma.' This research aims to deepen understanding of LGSOC, a rare type of ovarian cancer that disproportionately affects younger women.

Congratulations Dr Stevens!

Thank you to The GRACI Foundation for administering this grant on our behalf and to all of our amazing supporters - your donations and fundraising enable us to fund vital research projects each year.

Congratulations Chloe 💙

She smashed her 10k walk as part of the Dunedin Marathon - and exceeded her fundraising goals, raising over $1,700 for OCFNZ to support women living with ovarian cancer.

Thank you for your incredible effort, Chloe!

If you want to take on a challenge and raise funds for OCFNZ too, check out our website for upcoming events: https://fundraise.ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/upcomingevents

We’re thrilled to announce the recipient of our first-ever ovarian cancer research travel grant - Sonesavanh Larnkham.

Sonesavanh, a PhD student from Victoria University of Wellington, will be heading to the United Kingdom in October for a month-long placement with Dr. Robb Hollis at the University of Edinburgh.

This incredible opportunity will allow her to gain valuable experience and bring new insights about ovarian cancer research back to New Zealand.

We are especially excited to make this announcement on World Cancer Research Day. Congratulations, Sonesavanh!

Did you know that having a personal or family history of certain cancers can increase the chance you or someone in your family will get ovarian cancer?

At least one in ten ovarian cancer diagnoses are linked to inherited gene mutations. If genetic testing identifies an increased risk, preventative action may be possible.

It's important to note that ovarian cancer risk can be passed through both the male and female family lines.

Learn more about ovarian cancer risks and prevention: https://ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/causes-risk-factors-and-prevention-of-ovarian-cancer/

We are very excited to host our next webinar! This month we have invited gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Amelia Ryan, to present on the topic of surgical menopause.

Dr Ryan will cover:
•What surgical menopause is and how it differs from natural menopause
•The long-term health implications of surgical menopause
•Treatments available, including hormonal, non-hormonal, lifestyle and complementary

Please join us at 7pm on Monday 23 September - register now!

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: OCFNZ Webinar Series: Surgical Menopause. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Presented by Dr Amelia Ryan

Congratulations to our founder, Jane, on being awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Award, by the Rotary Club of Oamaru for her services to ovarian cancer.

And a big thank you to the Oamaru club for your support and for recognising Jane’s important work 💙

Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are often things women commonly experience.

In most cases, these symptoms are not caused by ovarian cancer, but for nearly 400 women each year, they unfortunately are.

That’s why it’s important to recognise the symptoms and see your doctor if you experience any for four weeks or longer.

Learn the symptoms below!

Here is a fantastic read from the Northern Advocate.

Ruby has shared her story of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer just weeks after giving birth, having to fund $30,000 worth of treatments out of her own pocket, and her inspirational goal of completing a half-marathon to raise funds and support other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer!

Such a powerful story - thank you Ruby!

Northlander who paid $30,000 for ovarian cancer treatment wants better options Ovarian cancer needs better diagnosis and treatment in New Zealand, says a 34yo mum.

You might remember Chloe, whose story we recently shared. After her diagnosis of stage I endometrioid ovarian cancer last year and a successful surgery, Chloe is now cancer-free and showing her support for other women living with ovarian cancer.

In a few weeks, Chloe is taking on the 10k walk at the Dunedin Marathon to raise awareness and funds for OCFNZ. She’s already raised nearly $1,000!

We’re incredibly grateful for Chloe’s commitment and courage. Let’s all cheer her on as she walks in support of every woman affected by ovarian cancer. 🩵👏