OVARIAN CANCER
IT’S THE SILENT DISEASE EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT
Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in females in Australia, but it’s the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths for women in Australia. Dubbed a ‘silent killer’, around 1700 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, yet the actual number of women with the condition is suggested to be greater because the symptoms can go unnoticed during the early stages.
With World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8, New Idea spoke to Dr Andrew Thompson about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any routine diagnostic screenings available for ovarian cancer. If you have concerns, it’s essential to talk to your doctor who can arrange for you to have tests.
“In the majority of cases, ovarian cancer is only first diagnosed at an advanced stage,” Dr Thompson says. “Symptoms are often quite mild, including regular or constant abdominal bloating, difficulty eating, becoming full very quickly while eating, increased urination, issues with digestion, fatigue, menstrual irregularities, and back pain.”
These symptoms will typically persist and become more severe as the cancer progresses.
WHO IS AT RISK?
“Any woman can get ovarian cancer however, most of the cases are in women over the age of 60,” Dr Thompson says. “The biggest risk factor to look out for is family history.”
Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a higher risk of ovarian cancer so if you have a family history or are unsure, Dr Thompson strongly recommends getting tested.
“Endometriosis and the use of certain fertility drugs or hormone
therapies have also been associated with ovarian cancer,” he says.
CAN I REDUCE MY RISK?
Exercise, a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can all have a positive impact.
“Oral contraceptives have also been shown to significantly lower risk of developing ovarian cancer,” Dr Thompson adds.