Facts

What you need to know about Ovarian Cancer

Around 1400 Australian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year. And tragically for two-thirds of these women, they won’t survive. All because the symptoms are so hard to recognise and ovarian cancer is often caught too late.*
*Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2015
• Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancerrelated death in Australian women. There has been little improvement in survival rates over the past 30 years.*
*Source: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research (Australia)
• One woman dies every 10 hours from ovarian cancer. It could be your wife, mother, sister, friend or even your daughter.*
*Source: (Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation)
• There is currently no effective test for the early detection of ovarian cancer. It is important to note that a pap smear DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you should talk to your doctor about options for managing your risk and your concerns.

Ovarian Cancer Symptons

Symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer are vague and may include one or more of the following:
• abdominal bloating
• difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• frequent or urgent urination
• back, abdominal or pelvic pain
• constipation
• menstrual irregularities
• fatigue
• indigestion
• pain during sexual intercourse.
These symptoms are often related to more common, less serious health problems and most women will have these symptoms at some time. However, if you notice any unusual changes or these symptoms persist, visit your doctor.*
*Source: (Cancer Council NSW)