Ovarian cancer Awareness campaign

A National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre survey has shown that one in five Australian women can’t name one symptom of ovarian cancer.

The survey of over 2000 women revealed over 60 per cent of Australian women still believe an abnormal Pap test is a sign of ovarian cancer. Yet a Pap test is designed to detect cervical cancer.

Without a screening test for ovarian cancer, it is vital that women are aware of the symptoms.

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre has developed a national media campaign to alert women to the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Each year in Australia about 1500 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than half of these women will not survive five years after their diagnosis. More than 70 per cent of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage, where the cancer has spread and is difficult to treat successfully.

Ovarian cancer is often referred to as a silent killer because its symptoms can be vague and similar to the symptoms of many other conditions that can be part of everyday life.

Symptoms include:

• abdominal bloating
• abdominal or back pain
• appetite loss or feeling full
• changes in toilet habits
• unexplained weight gain or loss
• indigestion or heartburn
• fatigue.

“Every woman will have experienced one or more of these symptoms at some stage,” said Dr Helen Zorbas, Director of National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre.
“But if any of these symptoms are unusual for you and they persist, it is important to see your doctor. No one knows your body like you do.”