Know Your Normal The Local Foundation Leading The Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

As the world paused on 8 May to mark World Ovarian Cancer Day, the Trudy Crowley Foundation in Mackay continued doing what it does best—raising awareness, offering support, and giving women hope in the face of one of the most insidious diseases they may ever encounter.

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest reproductive cancer, claiming the lives of more than half of those diagnosed within five years. It creeps in quietly, often masked by symptoms that mimic more common ailments. There is no reliable early detection test. But here in Mackay, a fierce group of volunteers, nurses, ambassadors, and survivors have refused to let that silence continue.

The Foundation was established in honour of Trudy Crowley, a woman whose ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2016 revealed a shocking lack of information and support. At a time when she needed answers, all she was handed was a brochure about breast cancer. Outraged but undeterred, Trudy channelled her energy into advocacy, awareness, and support—both locally and nationally. Her mantra was simple but powerful: “Ovarian cancer may be a silent killer, but I’m NOT going to stay silent about it.”

Trudy’s legacy lives on through the Foundation and the countless lives it touches every day, not only through support services, but through education—a critical weapon in the fight against ovarian cancer.

Registered nurse Chris Giannangelo, who works closely with women through the Foundation, said the symptoms of ovarian cancer were frustratingly vague and often misdiagnosed.

“Ovarian cancer can mimic other problems—changes in bowel and bladder habits, feeling bloated after a small meal, pain during intercourse, fluctuations in weight, and things like recurrent urinary tract infections,” she said.

“These things often get brushed off. But as Bridgeen used to say—‘know your body, know your normal.’ If something isn’t right for you, follow it up. And if you’re not satisfied with your GP’s response, get a second opinion.

"You have to be your biggest advocate.”

Tragically, the Mackay community lost that very woman, Bridgeen Doherty, less than three months ago. A Trudy Crowley Foundation ambassador and ovarian cancer warrior, Bridgeen passed away on 20 February after a battle that began just before Christmas in 2019.

She named her cancer “Octavia” and took it on with a disarming mix of strength, sass, and humour. Her mission quickly became bigger than her diagnosis—educating others, advocating fiercely, and standing up so that more women could recognise the signs early.

Bridgeen’s voice remains central to the Foundation’s message. Her rallying cry of “know your body, know your normal” is now a guiding phrase for nurse Chris and her colleague, nurse Rosie Stannard.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” said Rosie.

“It doesn’t care how fit you are, or where you live, or what your job is. That’s why listening to your body and getting regular checks is so important.”

Rosie and Chris recommend requesting both an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound each year and asking for a CA-125 blood test, which measures a protein that can indicate ovarian cancer. While not perfect on its own, the CA-125 can help flag concerns when used alongside imaging.

But there is hope on the horizon—hope that could change the odds for women everywhere.

Last week, on the very day the world recognised World Ovarian Cancer Day, a new initiative was announced to help fast-track diagnosis.

Dr Amanda Lumsden, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of South Australia, is working with a cross-disciplinary team to develop a user-friendly symptom assessment tool for ovarian cancer. Backed by a $45,087 Catalyst grant from Health Translation SA, the project aims to empower women and clinicians to better identify patterns of risk and early symptoms.

The tool is being shaped by people with lived experience of ovarian cancer, like Bridgeen, and will serve as a digital prompt to flag warning signs early.

“Women can experience symptoms for up to two years before diagnosis,” Dr Lumsden said.

“By the time they connect the dots, the cancer is often advanced. We’re hoping to change that by helping women—and their doctors—spot the signs sooner.”

The online ovarian cancer symptom scoping survey is open until 20 June, inviting contributions from women who have faced ovarian cancer and healthcare workers alike. The findings will inform a prototype tool that could eventually be rolled out to help thousands.

Professor Elina Hyppönen, who leads the research group, said early diagnosis was key.

“If we can find a way to identify high-risk women earlier, we can increase treatment options and improve outcomes,” she said.

For the team at the Trudy Crowley Foundation, this research is a welcome step forward, but the message remains clear; education saves lives.

So on World Ovarian Cancer Day, and every day after it, the Foundation continues Trudy’s work. Raising voices. Sharing stories. Honouring warriors like Bridgeen. And reminding every woman to listen to her body, ask the questions, and fight to be heard.

Because when it comes to ovarian cancer, silence is the real killer.

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Nurses Chris and Rosie
Trudy Crowley Foundation nurses Chris Giannangelo and Rosie Stannard continue to raise awareness and provide compassionate care, helping local women navigate the challenges of ovarian cancer with strength and support. Photos supplied

Bridgeen and Amanda Camm
The late Bridgeen Doherty with Trudy Crowley Foundation patron Amanda Camm MP. Bridgeen's legacy of fierce advocacy lives on in the foundation's message: “Know your body, know your normal.”

Trudy Crowley
The late Trudy Crowley turned personal adversity into national advocacy; her courageous voice continues to echo through the foundation that bears her name, helping women recognise the signs of this insidious disease

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