OCAGI desperately needs more funds to increase its impact across all of Australia. With the growth of oesopahgeal cancer in Australia, more people are being diagnosed each day, usually at Stage 4 or 5, where there is only 10% chance of survival. By being aware of the symptoms, those who are diagnosed early typically have over 80% survival rate. Every donation is greatly appreciated.

OCAGI's slogan is "Dont be afraid to ask". Don't be afraid to ask your GP for tests if you have any of the following symptoms - doing so could save your life. The key symptoms of oesophageal cancer are:

1   Heartburn

2   Reflux

3   Indigestion

4   Difficulty swallowing

5   Feeling the sensation of food being caught in your throat

6   Chest pain

7   Coughing blood

OCAGI's mission can be defined in three main objectives:

1   To raise awareness of oesophageal cancer in Australia;

2   To raise funds for targeted oesophageal cancer research; and

3   To provide support for those diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and their loved ones.

Since its founding in 2012, OCAGI has made great strides. A summary of OCAGI's achievements are listed below:

1   OCAGI created the only website in Australia solely dedicated to oesophageal cancer research, www.ocagi.org.

2   OCAGI has an active Facebook group to allow easier accessibility by people affected by oesophageal cancer to reach out and seek support and information.

3   In 2012, OCAGI started the only oesophageal cancer support group in NSW, which is held on the last Tuesday of each month in Campbelltown. OCAGI works closely with Campbelltown Hospital and the Upper GI Institute, where patients with oesophageal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers are referred to the support group. To this day, OCAGI's support group is the only known support group for oesophageal cancer. This is something OCAGI would like to expand, as people have travelled from as far away as the Central Coast to attend the support group due to no other support groups being available.

4   In 2014, OCAGI was invited to Parliament House to give a presentation on OCAGI's achievements, to become part of The Australian Cancer Consumer Network.

5   In 2015, OCAGI partnered with Western Sydney University to fully fund a $39,000.00 PhD scholarship for research into oesophageal cancer. 

6   On 31 May 2015, OCAGI was successful in declaring the inaugural Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Day.

7   OCAGI has handed out thousands of brochures educating the community about the symptoms of oesophageal cancer all which are paid for with funds received and donations, and urging those who have reoccurring heartburn, reflux and indigestion to speak to their GP about their health.

8. OCAGI also works with some doctors and pharmacists to provide OCAGI's brochures to relevant patients.

Donating will help save lives. OCAGI is a not-for-profit organisation with a big job to do - to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer in Australia, provide support to those diagnosed, and raise much needed funds for targeted research. Please assist OCAGI and donate now.