It's Australia's first Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and the medical experts have a very simple, yet very strong message for us: "Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer!"
There is currently no screening test to detect this disease, so becoming aware of these signs, and knowing our own bodies, can save our lives.
This year in Australia, about 1300 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. And astonishing figures from a new study show that most women (83 percent) experience at least one symptom of ovarian cancer in the year prior to their diagnosis.
The study by National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) in collaboration with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research also revealed 17 percent of women waited more than three months after the onset of their symptoms before visiting their doctor, with 8 percent waiting more than six months.
"The most common reason for the delay was an assumption that the symptoms were not serious," says Dr Helen Zorbas, CEO of NBOCC.
The most common signs, experienced by half of the study participants, were abdominal fullness and pain. Bloating and bowel or urinary symptoms were reported by approximately one third of participants.
"We know many women will experience these symptoms as part of everyday life," says Dr Zorbas. "But if any of these are
unusual for you and they
persist, it is important to see your doctor. No-one knows your body like you do."
Know these symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- abdominal bloating;
- abdominal or back pain;
- appetite loss or feeling full;
- changes in bowel or bladder habits;
- unexplained weight gain or loss;
- indigestion or heart burn; and
- fatigue.
What happens next?
If you experience any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer and they are unusual for you and persistent, it's important to see your doctor. If the cause of your symptoms remains unresolved, but you are still concerned, it's okay to get a second opinion. Trust your instincts.
If you are suspected of having ovarian cancer, you should be referred to a gynaecological oncologist. The only definite way to make sure you are correctly diagnosed with ovarian cancer is with an operation. Research shows survival for women with ovarian cancer is improved when their surgical care is directed by a gynaecological oncologist.
Did you know?
Many women mistakenly believe a Pap test will detect ovarian cancer. But a Pap test is used to check for
cervical cancer. This is another reason why we should all be very familiar with the symptoms and see our doctor promptly if we have any concerns.
A few fast facts about ovarian cancer
- Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer diagnosed in Australian women and the sixth most common cause of cancer death in Australia women. It is Australia's biggest gynaecological cancer killer. In 2005, a total of 888 women died from ovarian cancer in Australia.
- One in 77 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer before they reach the age of 85.
- Increasing age is a well-established risk factor for ovarian cancer, with approximately 80 percent of cases occurring in women aged 50 years and over.
February 2009 is Australia's first Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
To find out more, visit
www.nbocc.org.au.
