mmg.com.au

Rochester Chemmart is raising awareness of ovarian cancer by selling ribbons and giving out information about the disease.

Every year the pharmacy raises money for Ovarian Cancer Australia and this year the staff, along with their friends and family, baked cakes to sell at a stall outside the chemist on Thursday.

More than $500 was raised through the bake sale and pharmacy owner Brett Phillips hopes to double the figure by the end of the month through sales of raffle tickets for a Chemmart hamper and teal ribbons.

Mr Phillips said ovarian cancer was often not diagnosed until it is at an advanced stage and that symptoms could be subtle.

‘‘There is no detection test for ovarian cancer so it’s important that women look out for the symptoms,’’ he said.

He said if abdominal or pelvic pain or bloating was persistent and new, women should make an appointment to see their doctor.

Mr Phillips said other symptoms included needing to urinate often or urgently and difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.

‘‘Deaths from ovarian cancer are still very high in Australia, with the disease claiming the lives of 800 women each year,’’ he said.

Teal ribbons can be bought for $2 or an emery board can be purchased for $3 at Rochester Chemmart.