World Ovarian Cancer Day

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport)—Today, on World Ovarian Cancer Day, I join a global effort to raise awareness of this devastating disease—one that takes the lives of more than 1,000 Australian women each year. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed too late due to vague and easily missed symptoms. This disease is known as the silent killer because the early signs are so easy to dismiss. We tell ourselves it's just bloating, or that we're too busy to worry about feeling full too quickly. But I want to say to every woman in our community—please don't ignore the signs. If you notice persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, or needing to urinate urgently or often—don't wait. Talk to your doctor. Ask for a pelvic exam. This year's theme, "No Woman Left Behind," is especially important in communities like ours. Every woman deserves a fighting chance. Today, we remember those we've lost, we honour those still fighting, and we stand with the families who carry their memories. Let's keep raising our voices—because with awareness comes earlier diagnosis, and with that, the hope of saving lives.