Ms Nathan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year – without even making a doctor’s appointment.

“(Partner) Robert had an appointment for a general workup on February 14,” she said.

“He’d accidentally made a double appointment. The GP said he was alright, and turned to me and asked what I had been saying about a gut ache. I’d been in Sydney for a few days and eaten too many pizzas, it was just a tummy ache, nothing much.

“He asked a whole load of questions – was I bloated? No. Backache? No. Cranky? No more than usual. Tired? Well, I’d just got back from Sydney, and I’m 71. Change of bowel habits? Well, obviously. I said it felt a bit like period pain.”

A blood test was ordered– and by the next Monday, Ms Nathan was in a Melbourne hospital.

“I was totally oblivious,” she said.

“I’m a retired pharmacist, I did clinical nutrition, my late father’s a doctor. If anyone would understand their body, it should be me.

“I said I wouldn’t be at the next (council) meeting. Then I took a two-month leave of absence, because we thought it would be stage one – a quick surgery, three days in hospital, a few pieces of chemo and then whacko, you’re on.”

There was more bad news – the cancer was stage three. The “quick surgery” turned into a seven-hour operation in Sydney, and 10 days in hospital.

Cr Nathan said the decision to speak out at the past council meeting was not easy, but mattered, as ovarian cancer wasn’t on her radar.

“If there’s a lump on your skin or your breast, you do something about it. My father had bowel cancer, my mother had breast cancer, my grandmother had cancer – I’ve checked all of those – every time you’re supposed to.”

Cr Nathan had considered seeing a GP, as her waist measurement had increased, despite recent weight loss – but she had no sense of urgency. She encouraged others to speak up.

“It’s the silent, hidden killer. Look out for little changes. Women tend to be stoic – they say I’m just getting older, or it’s just period pain, or I just lifted the kid. Keep a diary. Be aware of minute changes, record them, speak up.”

Cr Nathan’s partner, Robert Legeay, said family members had a role: “A year ago I noticed her (facial) skin tone was different. If someone notices a change in their partner, they should say something. I’m convinced. 

“When we had an appointment in Sydney, the other ladies at the doctor, their skin was exactly the same colour as Maureen’s. It’s difficult to notice in yourself, but your family can see. Be open about it – for health reasons, and for love.”

Maureen remained optimistic.

“Life’s pretty good; I don’t have kids to look after, I don’t have challenges, I have a wonderful man who’s picked up the load. I’m eating very well! Week one (of chemo) knocks me around; nausea, vomiting, tiredness. I can cope with just about anything for an hour before I need a nanna nap.

“I’m taking each hour as it happens. The oncologist and surgeon said I should not give up my activities; (I’m) doing what I used to do in smaller bites.”