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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2004 Week 01 Hansard (Tuesday, 10 February 2004) . . Page.. 163 ..

test yet developed and most importantly—which most women are not aware of—the pap test does not detect ovarian cancer.

OvCa Australia is the voice of ovarian cancer patients and those personally affected by the condition. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to raising the profile of ovarian cancer. It provides a vital focus of support and education to women, their families and their carers. I want to commend the ACT and region branch of OvCa Australia for its efforts on behalf of our community since its formation in 2001. Its work is a fine example of service to our society and reflects the commitment and dedication of its volunteer membership.

Mr Speaker, I want to finish by mentioning that, as I said, this is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week. Green ribbons are being sold or given out to try to raise awareness of the issue. I would urge all members of the Assembly to let as many people as possible know about the possibility of women over the age of 45 contracting ovarian cancer, because the best way we have to fight against it is by trying to diagnose it as early as possible. Often that is not easy and a lot of GPs are uninformed of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and do not look for it. Sometimes it requires more invasive testing, beyond doing an ultrasound and a blood test, but if it saves women’s lives then I think it is something that women should consider getting their doctors to do.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The Assembly adjourned at 12.06 am (Wednesday).

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