OVARIAN CANCER KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

EARLY DETECTION CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO SURVIVAL RATES, SAY EXPERTS

Each day, four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and three will die from the disease. Just under half of those diagnosed survive five years after diagnosis, making it the deadliest women’s cancer – but discovering it early could make a big difference.

“If found in its early stages, women have an 80 per cent chance of being alive and well after five years,” says Jane Hill, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia. “Unfortunately, 75 per cent of women are diagnosed in advanced stages.

There is no early detection test, so it is important for all women to know and recognise the signs and symptoms, and this is the focus of the annual Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, this month.

“Symptoms can include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating,

the need to urinate often or urgently, and feeling full after eating only a small amount,” Jane explains. “If these symptoms are new and persistent for women, they should visit their doctor without delay.

“If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, there are a number of tests they can perform to help decide whether your symptoms are due to ovarian cancer or other causes,” says Jane. “Of these tests, it is strongly recommended that both the CA125 blood test and the transvaginal ultrasound are performed.” Australians can show their support and help raise funds by wearing a teal ribbon on Teal Ribbon Day, Feb. 27. They’re available from Terrywhite Chemmart pharmacies and Black Pepper stores nationally as well as from the Ovarian Cancer Australia website, ovariancancer.net.au.