Ovarian cancer in the global spotlight

April 20, 2016

May 8 is World Ovarian Cancer Day and organizations around the globe are sharing what people need to “Know Now” about this disease.

Here at home, trained volunteers are delivering this call to action on Parliament Hill as part of a government relations effort organized by Ovarian Cancer Canada. Leading up to World Ovarian Cancer Day, a full slate of meetings is planned for May 3, when the group will meet with elected federal representatives.

With a shared goal of informing politicians about the injustices of ovarian cancer and recommending solutions, these advocates hail from coast to coast. In advance of the big day, many have already connected with their Members of Parliament and provincial or territorial elected representatives.

Katherine Farris and Kit Pearson

In Victoria, BC, Katherine Farris and Kit Pearson recently met with MP Murray Rankin and Dr. Andrew J. Weaver, leader of the Green Party of British Columbia and representative for the riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.

“Since I’m healthy at the moment, we decided being Ovarian Cancer Canada ambassadors was a great opportunity to do something,” says Katherine, who is in remission. “The more people we have talking to politicians, the better our chances of getting more government funding for ovarian cancer research.”

“Both politicians learned a lot from us and offered some suggestions,” says Kit. “Andrew Weaver is going to stand up in the Legislature to speak out on ovarian cancer, and Murray Rankin is going to talk to his colleagues about the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act.”

Together with Ovarian Cancer Canada, volunteers like Katherine and Kit are appealing for political support of:

Increased funding for ovarian cancer research
Ready access to new treatments as they become available
Improved access to genetic testing for women who are at increased risk of a BRCA gene mutation
Genetic fairness to protect against discrimination based on genetic information

Get involved by asking your Member of Parliament or provincial or territorial elected representative to support this push for change. A helpful letter template and details on who to write can be found in the government relations section of ovariancanada.org.

Turn the nation teal

On World Ovarian Cancer Day itself, landmarks throughout the country will be turned teal to represent ovarian cancer awareness. The growing list of participating locations includes:

BC Place (Vancouver, BC)
Fitsimmons Creek Bridge (Whistler, BC)
Calgary Tower (Calgary, AB)
High Level Bridge (Edmonton, AB)
CN Tower (Toronto, ON)
Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, ON)
And many more

This May 8, keep an eye out for teal and seize the opportunity to strike up a conversation about ovarian cancer.

Then, the world

As our country turns teal and volunteers connect with politicians, World Ovarian Cancer Day continues to be a time for the international community to unite in a mighty push for greater awareness. This year's theme is “Know Now” and people around the world are invited to share their wisdom and insights on a virtual signpost that is launching soon at ovariancancerday.org.

“Tell us what you want everyone in the world to know now,” says Elisabeth Baugh, Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer Day Organizing Committee and CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada. “This could stem from a personal journey with ovarian cancer, or it could be a life lesson that has made all the difference to you.”

On social media, use #KnowNow to share this global movement towards awareness with your friends and followers.

Elisabeth Baugh, Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer Day Organizing Committee
and CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada