An Avoca Beach mother of three has joined forces with three other survivors to warn other women not to dismiss early symptoms of ovarian cancer, which are often vague and are easily misdiagnosed.
The women have partnered with fashion retailer Black Pepper to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia.
They will feature in a new campaign across Black Pepper’s 80 stores, including store windows, during February to coincide with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Karen Gower, 56, lost her mother to the disease 27 years ago and has since discovered that she and both her daughters carry the BRCA1 gene.
In late 2020, a magazine article prompted Gower to get tested for the disease.
Within a week, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
A midwife and child health nurse by trade, Gower has undergone surgery and 18 rounds of chemo.
While she was surrounded by an incredible support network, it was her son Jack who stood by her side throughout the challenging journey.
“My son actually shaved his head too … it was quite a liberating moment” she said.
“My hair was my identity, like a lot of women, and I was devastated.
“But my son was just amazing and said ‘Mum look, you look beautiful the way it is’.”
Despite experiencing two re-occurrences since her initial diagnosis, Gower vows to ‘live life to the fullest’ every day and is urging Australian women to take their health into their own hands and insist on being tested early.
She has joined fellow survivors Renata Potoczky, Narelle Lawrence and Luisa Niglia as the faces of Black Pepper’s 2024 Ovarian Cancer Awareness month campaign.
“Knowledge is power,” she said.
“Having an understanding of your body and health, along with your family’s medical history, will help you identify if something doesn’t feel right.
“Unfortunately, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer but I do not let the cancer control me.
“I have so much more living to do.”
Bridget Bradhurst of Ovarian Cancer Australia said the cancer often presented with vague symptoms.
“We hope that by raising awareness of the disease and elevating the voices of women impacted by ovarian cancer, we can change the landscape of this disease,” she said.
“For all those diagnosed in the future, we want to improve their experiences and outcomes by providing ongoing access to specialist support services.
“Additionally, we aim to continue our advocacy efforts to see increased research funding and greater access to effective and affordable treatments.”
The campaign showcases the four women modelling Black Pepper clothing including two specially designed scarves, a blouse and top, with a portion of sales going to Ovarian Cancer Australia.
The partnership, now in its ninth year, aims to raise $100,000 to support women with ovarian cancer, which remains Australia’s deadliest female cancer, claiming the life of one woman every eight hours.
“Black Pepper is so proud to be able to put a spotlight on the much-needed support that OCA provides women who face the diagnosis of ovarian cancer,” Black Pepper General Manager Rachel Digby said.
“Bringing the campaign to life with women and their stories is very special to our team and to our community of customers.
“It’s a privilege to enter our ninth year in partnership with OCA and do our bit to contribute to a very worthy cause.”
The scarves will retail for $29.99, top for $79.99 and the blouse for $99.99.
Pens and ribbons will also be sold in-store during February which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
They will be available online via www.blackpepper.com.au and in stores nationally during February.