EDMONTON- Every year 2,600 women in Canada are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Of those women, 1,760 will not survive.
“The problem with ovarian cancer is that there’s a very high death rate. We’re looking at only about 30 per cent of women who are diagnosed will survive past five years. So it’s really important that women know what the symptoms are,” said Liza Sunley, an ovarian cancer survivor.
Sunley was one of hundreds of people who took part in the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park in Edmonton Sunday morning. It was one of 45 walks that took place in communities across Canada, in hopes of raising funds and awareness for the deadly disease.
“This is a very important piece of fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Canada throughout the year, this provides most of the funds that they use throughout the year,” Sunley explained.
There is no screening test to detect ovarian cancer. But when found early – and treated – the ovarian cancer survival rate is 90 per cent.
“I lost a very dear friend of mine to ovarian cancer eight years ago now, and it enrages me that still today, 2013, there is no early detection test,” said Sophie Serafino, a violinist, singer and composer, who co-emceed the event.
“Having seen first hand, a friend of mine die from the disease, I’m here for her and here to support all those who suffer.”
This is the ninth year the event has been held in Edmonton; participants raised over $100,000 Sunday.
Since its inception, the walk has raised about $14.2 million for Ovarian Cancer Canada.
For more information on ovarian cancer, visit Ovarian Cancer Canada’s website.
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