Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Ovarian cancer is a traumatic disease. Only 46 per cent of women survive longer than five years after diagnosis. The treatment is often major abdominal surgery, which can be devastating to younger women who have not had a family as it often leads to infertility and menopause. As a result, 40 per cent can experience clinical anxiety and depression. Every day, four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and three women die.

This month is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and my thoughts are with all those who are suffering from ovarian cancer and their families. I pay tribute to my mother-in-law, who is currently battling the disease. It's so important to learn the symptoms and ensure the women in your life are familiar with them. The most common symptoms for ovarian cancer are increased tummy size, bloating, lower tummy pain, feeling full after eating small amounts and needing to urinate often or urgently.

The Morrison government has funded a $1 million grant to Ovarian Cancer Australia's Teal Support Program. This means that women who are coping with the devastating psychological impact of this illness can get specialist support and counselling over the phone. This investment in counselling services is welcome, but it's clear much more needs to be done to give women with ovarian cancer a better fighting chance.