Every year in Australia, about 1,550 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 1,200 succumb to the disease.

Only 43 per cent of women diagnosed will survive five years post diagnosis.

In the absence of a screening test, early detection of ovarian cancer relies on Australians to know the signs and symptoms.

More than 90 per cent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer experience one or more of the four key symptoms. 

Women diagnosed in the early stages of ovarian cancer have an 80 per cent chance of being alive and well after five years so early detection is the key.

Highlanders can act to raise awareness and funds to help Ovarian Cancer Australia deliver support, advocacy, research and awareness programs by hosting a fundraising Afternoon Teal.

Teal is the the international colour for ovarian cancer.

Teal Ribbon Day will be held on February 22. Teal ribbons are available for $2 from Chemmart Pharmacies, Terry White Chemists, or Chemplus stores nationally, as well as from www.ovariancancer.net.au

Hosts can register for an Afternoon Teal by visiting www.afternoonteal.net.au or by emailing afternoonteal@ovariancancer.net.a

The four key symptoms of ovarian cancer are: