A public panel discussion on ovarian cancer will at the Whakatāne Lyceum Club next week, as part of a wider effort to raise awareness and funds during Frocktober - a campaign newly launched in New Zealand to support ovarian cancer research.

The event on October 10 runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and aims to provide clear information about ovarian cancer, including how it is diagnosed, treated, and the challenges many women face in receiving timely care.

The event is being organised by the Whakatāne Lyceum Club, Quota Whakatāne, and Oncology Room Cancer Society volunteers.

“There’s a lot of public messaging around breast, cervical, and prostate cancers,” local nurse and oncology room volunteer Charlotte McGougan said.  “But ovarian cancer often goes unspoken. People don’t know what to look out for, and it’s often diagnosed late.”

Ovarian cancer is currently the least survivable gynaecological cancer. One person dies from the disease every two days in New Zealand, yet public awareness remains low. Its symptoms - bloating, abdominal pain, changes in appetite, weight loss, changes in bowel habits and urinating frequently - are often vague and easy to dismiss.

The discussion will be hosted by local optometrist Ian Finch, and the panel will include Leona Spence, a supportive care nurse with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society, Liz Pennington from the Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ, a local GP and a cancer survivor. Topics will cover early warning signs, the diagnostic process, and the importance of improving outcomes through research.

This is the first time Frocktober – a fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand – has been held in New Zealand. It was started in Australia by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and since 2016 has raised millions for research, including over $1 million in 2024.

Participants are encouraged to wear a dress – maybe your wedding dress to the supermarket – to start the conversation about ovarian cancer. To register to fundraise visit https://frocktober.org.nz.

Tickets for next week’s event are $30 and include a drink and light refreshments.

Attendees can also bring cash to participate in the raffle and a silent auction being held during the evening. Funds raised will go toward the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and the WBOP Cancer Society for use in the Eastern Bay.

Tickets can be purchased at The Good Life on The Strand (cash only), or by bank transfer to the Whakatāne Lyceum Club BNZ account: 02-0488-0027900-000. Include your name and the number of tickets in the reference.