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WHY FROCK UP?
With a five year survival RATE OF just 49%, ovarian cancer is the most lethal GYNAECOLOGICAL cancer
Turning heads in Frocktober offers a chance to spark crucial conversations about ovarain cancer. You can talk about the challenges of early detection, treatment and prevention and raise awareness of the often-vague symptoms.
We also call upon Frockers to raise crucial funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, supporting research aimed at improving detection methods, developing more effective treatments and seeking preventative measures for ovarian cancer.
Frocktober is a fun and stylish way to connect with friends, family and colleagues for an important cause.
WHAT IS FROCKTOBER?
In 2007, a group of 10 friends gathered around a table in a 24-hour diner in Geelong. Despite their diverse careers and personal backgrounds, they were united by a common concern for a cause that was calling out for more attention – ovarian cancer.
Over share plates and drinks, they brainstormed ways to shine a spotlight on the most lethal women’s cancer. Their goal was clear: to spark a movement that would engage Australians from all walks of life in supporting ovarian cancer awareness and research, and to fund vital projects that could potentially save lives.
Their solution? A fundraiser that would turn the everyday act of choosing an outfit into a powerful statement. The vision of these creative minds gave rise to a successful campaign rooted in style, creativity and fun. This is how Frocktober was born and in 2016, the friends handed over the reins of the campaign to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) to build on their success.
Whether it’s a head-turning dress, a bold and beautiful suit, or a crazy, colourful shirt, your participation — no matter how you choose to frock up — makes a powerful difference by sparking a conversation and raising critical funds.
All proceeds help the OCRF to fund ovarian cancer research projects that take us closer to an early detection test, better treatments and better outcomes.
Learn more about the OCRF and our work, via the button below.
WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER?
Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal and complex cancer types. In Australia, fewer than 50 percent of women and girls diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive more than five years - a figure unchanged for decades. The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition estimated that if more is not done for research, there will be an 81% increase in ovarian cancer deaths in our region by 2050.
More than 1,800 women and girls are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year
Greater awareness and effective early detection could radically improve the survival rate
Around 40% of patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia are under 60 years old
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
Established in 2000, The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) is Australia’s leading independent funder of ovarian cancer research, dedicated to transforming outcomes for the most lethal gynaecological cancer.
In Australia, survival rates for ovarian cancer have not changed for decades, highlighting disparities and gender inequities in research and care that demand urgent action.
OCRF is helping to rewrite this story. Our vision is a future where those impacted by ovarian cancer can live healthy, vital lives. To achieve this, we are catalysing change and accelerating progress by increasing awareness, advocating for greater investment and equity, collaborating nationally and internationally, and strategically funding high-impact medical research.
Every dollar we raise comes from the Australian community, driven by a shared determination to make our vision a reality.
GET INVOLVED IN FROCKTOBER
Whether you frock up every day in October, pick one day a week, host a Frocktail party, or go big for a single day – there are endless ways to join the Frocktober fun.
Take part solo or rally your family, friends, or colleagues, and be part of a fashion movement that makes a real difference.
Love the cause but can’t commit to frocking up? You can still support by making a donation!
The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands upon which we work, strive, and learn, the Wurrundjiri Woi wurrung and Bunorung Boon wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia and beyond.