(Photo Supplied by Shivani Arora)
Venkat Raman
Auckland, July 22, 2023
Early detection and proper treatment can cure Ovarian Cancer but the creation of awareness of its dangers is imperative.
That was the underlying message of two medical professionals and a Cancer Survivor at an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Evening organised by the Auckland-based Better Future Trust at the Maungakiekie Golf Club in Mt Roskill on June 29, 2024.
General Practitioner Dr Pervin Dalal (Botany South), Cancer Society Auckland Cancer Prevention Manager Rebecca Gilbert and Shelly, an Ovarian Cancer Survivor were the principal speakers at the event underscoring the importance of regular medical check-ups and follow-up procedures wherever required.
About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women (especially above the age of 50) and is usually diagnosed when it is already advanced. Abdominal or back pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, nausea or bloating and indigestion are among the common symptoms.
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce ova (eggs) and release certain hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is when cells within the ovaries grow abnormally and multiply rapidly. These cells are known as cancerous or malignant cells and the growth is known as a tumour or mass.
Treatment for ovarian cancer will depend on the type of cancer and its stage but usually, treatment involves surgery and chemotherapy.
Importance of education
Dr Dalal said that women aged 45 and above could be susceptible to Ovarian Cancer.
“It is therefore important to be aware of its occurrence. Indigestion or change in bowel movement, persistent bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite are some of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. There is no doubt that if picked up early, it can be cured or given proper treatment. Fortunately, there is constant improvement in medical procedures and technology and highly effective medicines being introduced,” she said.
Dr Dalal advised women to raise awareness of this type of Cancer among their friends, colleagues and communities.
(Photo Supplied by Shivani Arora)
True to her profession, Ms Gilbert focused on Cancer Prevention through increased awareness and community education.
She spoke of the work of the Cancer Society in supporting early detection programmes, screening and education initiatives.
Cancer Survivor Shelly spoke of her journey from the time she was diagnosed with Cancer and the support that she received in treating the disease.
She said that with determination, family and peer support and the helpful and timely health system, she was able to overcome the ailment and lead a normal life.
Among the other speakers at the event were Better Future Trust Chairman Shivani Arora, National Party Mt Roskill MP Carlos Cheung, ACT Party List MP Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Auckland Districts (Tamaki Makarau) Police Ethnic Responsiveness Manager Jessica Phuang, and this Reporter.
Performances by the students of Anuradha School and Sri Natyalaya and a Raffle Draw were among the highlights of the evening.
(Photo Supplied by Shivani Arora)
Deep Mahotsav in September
Ms Arora said that the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Programme was a significant step taken by the Trust in its mission to provide useful, health-oriented events. She acknowledged the contributions of the members of her Team including Jyoti Prashar, Jit Jaur, Usha Jacobs and Bhupinder Mahroo towards the success of the Programme.
“The Better Future Trust is excited to continue its efforts in promoting health awareness and cultural harmony. Plans are underway for Deep Mahotsav in September, aiming at greater community participation. The overwhelming support and participation of the community reaffirms the importance of such initiatives,” she said.
About Better Future Trust
Established in November 2022, the Better Future Trust aims to enhance the quality of life of New Zealanders across ethnicities and ensure better standards of environment and sustainability for the ensuing generations.
Social and Economic Well-being is at the core of the activities of the Trust, with the immediate, short-term and long-term objective of fostering good physical and mental health of all people living in New Zealand. As a part of this Mission, the Better Future New Zealand Trust will strive to encourage healthy food habits, preserve animal life and safeguard the environment.
At the core sit key values driving the organisation forward. These are Empowerment, Compassion, inclusivity and equality.
Ms Arora said that the Trust work with people of all faiths and beliefs.
“We believe that women and our youth are powerhouses and wish to empower them to become the best versions of themselves. We are all human and so we approach our mission with compassion, seeking to alleviate suffering and promote understanding and amity among communities. Our Trust strives towards addressing challenges facing the younger members of society, especially on issues relating to their mental health and fostering their career and social ambitions, empowerment of women, upliftment of the downtrodden and encouraging dialogue between various communities to promote an inclusive and harmonious society,” she said.
The recent projects of the Trust were providing women’s hygiene products, sanitation, food and baby products valued more than $50,000 to the victims of Cyclone Gabriel in the Hawkes Bay region earlier this year and gifting laptops to community seniors and teaching them how to use them. The latter was a part of the efforts to empower seniors to be independent and regain self-confidence in accessing services and facilities.
“Our future projects include improving (a) educational resources for children (b) nutrition among the younger members of the society (c) focus of children in classrooms and (d) digital literacy of the members of the community. We would also partner with the Police and other stakeholders in eradicating bullying and harassment,” Ms Arora said.
