Hope event raises awareness

Cafe Verde co-owner Joe McKenzie and Bianca Tozer prepare for an upcoming afternoon tea, which...
Cafe Verde co-owner Joe McKenzie and Bianca Tozer prepare for an upcoming afternoon tea, which will raise awareness of ovarian cancer. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
While many people could identify the breast cancer pink ribbon, a Geraldine resident hopes to bring awareness to its lesser-known teal counterpart.

Bianca Tozer’s mother died of ovarian cancer a decade ago.

Mrs Tozer said her mother had put her symptoms down to menopause, so by the time she was diagnosed she had stage 3 cancer. There had been no cure and she died two years later.

"Everybody presumes a pap smear or a cervical smear would pick it up, but that is not the case."

The cancer was diagnosed with a CA-125 blood test and an ultrasound.

Bianca Tozer’s mother Debbie Graham died of ovarian cancer a decade ago.
Bianca Tozer’s mother Debbie Graham died of ovarian cancer a decade ago.
The Ovarian Cancer Foundation said nearly half of ovarian cancer diagnoses occurred through emergency department presentations, which often signalled advanced stages with limited treatment options and lower survival rates. Symptoms included abdominal and pelvic pain or discomfort, bloating, eating less and feeling fuller and going to the bathroom more often.

Mrs Tozer advised anyone who had had symptoms for four weeks to visit their GP. While symptoms were important, early diagnosis relied on public awareness.

Just like the pink ribbon appeals she hoped all ribbons could have their time to shine.

"Some get more of a spotlight."

She said her mother had missed out on meeting her grandchildren.

"I miss her every day."

She said while the grief journey was a long one she was at peace with it now.

"I just want to prevent someone from losing a family member.

"Doing this is making me think of her, which is nice."

She would be hosting an afternoon tea, which would be held next Thursday from 3pm to 5pm at Cafe Verde.

She said children were welcome, which would allow mothers to bring their children after school.

She hoped even if people could not make the event they would google ovarian cancer and become acquainted with the signs and symptoms.

SHELLEY.INON@timarucourier.co.nz