Every woman needs to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Make sure you do.
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; a range of events, community activities and media campaigns to raise awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to promote Ovarian Cancer Australia's support and awareness programs.
 Every year in Australia around 1500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 850 women will die from the disease. There is currently no reliable early detection test or screening program (contrary to popular belief the pap smear does not screen for ovarian cancer) and most women are diagnosed when their cancer is at an advanced stage and very difficult to treat successfully. More than half these women will not live for five years after their diagnosis. However if ovarian cancer is found in the early stages, up to 95% of women will be alive and well after five years. Therefore until there is a test, awareness is best.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Symptoms may include:
• Abdominal bloating
• Unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain
• Feeling full and/or difficulty eating
• Increased urgency to urinate or a change in bowel habits.
When these symptoms are new and persist for more than two weeks, see your GP and ask them to consider the possibility of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Australia's Symptom Diary
Ovarian Cancer Australia's Symptom Diary is a tool that helps women clearly communicate to their doctor symptoms they are experiencing that might suggest ovarian cancer.
For more information call 1300 660 334 or visit www.ovariancancer.net.au.
For details of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month events and activities and how you can contribute, visit www.ovariancancer.net.au.
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