Supporting Ovarian Cancer Knowledge (SOCK) was the brainchild of the late Jane Keating, who wanted to do something positive following her own diagnosis with ovarian cancer. She suggested to a number of her friends and family that a charity be formed and in 2010, SOCK was founded.
The SOCK Committee was aware that there was limited information available to women about ovarian cancer, despite it being the fourth most common cancer in women. While there were leaflets in doctors’ surgeries in relation to breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer etc., there was nothing for ovarian cancer.
Their first initiative was to develop an information leaflet highlighting the symptoms of ovarian cancer and promoting awareness. The leaflet was endorsed by Consultant Medical Oncologist Paula Calvert, (Waterford Regional Hospital & Whitfield Clinic) and is now available in doctors’ surgeries throughout Ireland.
SOCK’s slogan is ‘Know your body, Know the symptoms’ as the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be very vague and often appear at a late stage. The charity is not sponsored by a government body and so, is totally reliant on fundraising activities & sponsorship to fund their initiatives.
