Trek to save women's lives

A group of everyday Queenslanders will draw on the strength and determination of women suffering cancer when they embark on their own uphill battle and trek the epic Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory next year.

The Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation wants you to join them on this challenging six-day hike to help raise vital funds for gynaecological cancer research at UQ.

Despite 6000 Australian women and girls being diagnosed every year, research into gynaecological cancer remains critically underfunded. One-third of women will tragically succumb to the disease.

Cherish Chairman and UQ cancer researcher, Professor Andreas Obermair, who will be part of the trek, describes the importance of research to improve outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer.

“Unfortunately, there’s not the same kind of funding support for this cancer research like there is for other diseases. As a result, gynaecological cancer is not as well-known or understood, and this affects survival rates,” he explains.

“Research is the most effective way to improve the odds of surviving gynaecological cancer. We have research teams ready to go to expand life expectancy and save more women’s lives. We are only limited by the funds available.

“Currently, research trials in uterine, ovarian and vulval cancer all need funding. These projects will address impactful research problems, some of which have remained unsolved for more than 30 years.”

Gynaecological cancer affects the female reproductive system and causes abnormal cells to grow and mutate. Uterine and endometrial cancer is the most prevalent form of the disease, followed by ovarian – the most deadly gynaecological cancer type - cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers.

“That’s why we need as many friends, workmates and families to go bush for this fundraising hike. The lives of the women we cherish depend on it.”

Spots are still available for the Cherish Challenge Larapinta 2020. Participants commit to raising $3500 for Cherish and cover their own travel expenses. 100 per cent of the funds raised go to UQ’s Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer Research.

If you are interested in joining the trek, please contact Lisa Harrold at l.harrold1@uq.edu.au or visit cherish.org.au.