Ovarian cancer kills one Australian woman every eight hours and is the most lethal reproductive cancer, based on survivability, and yet remains critically underfunded. To raise much needed funds and support the work of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), Witchery is back with their annual White Shirt campaign.
In its 15th year, Witchery’s White Shirt campaign has helped raise over $15 million for the OCRF to help fund the research required to find an early detection test. From 11th April-8th May, when you buy a white shirt instore or online from Witchery, they will donate 100% of gross proceeds to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. This year’s white shirt was designed in collaboration with Australian designer Pip Edwards.
We caught up with the Today Show’s Sarah Abo to discuss the importance of the campaign and her hopes for future generations of women.
How does it feel to be a part of the 15th annual Witchery White Shirt Campaign in support of the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF)?
“It’s an amazing way to honour the incredible efforts of scientists working tirelessly to find an early detection test for the most lethal gynaecological cancer, ovarian cancer. Unlike screening for breast cancer or pap smears, there is currently no similar way of detecting ovarian cancer.”
What made you want to get involved?
“I wanted to help raise funds in a bid to advance research into this deadly disease. Seventy per cent of women are diagnosed in advanced stages, and even if treatment – including invasive surgery and chemotherapy – is successful, there’s an 80 per cent chance the cancer will return. This is a figure, which, according to the OCRF, hasn’t shifted in 30 years. We must do whatever we can to improve outcomes for women, starting with wearing a Witchery white shirt.”
If there was one thing you would like future generations of women to know about ovarian cancer and the work of OCRF, what would that be?
“It’s a cancer with vague symptoms which doesn’t discriminate, making the work of the OCRF all the more important. The OCRF is working every day to help improve outcomes for women across the country. Their fundamental objective is to find an early detection test so outcomes for women can improve.”
How will you style your Witchery white shirt?
“I love it crisp and tucked into a pair of black trousers, or with sleeves rolled up and relaxed over a pair of jeans. You can’t go wrong with a white shirt!
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