Ovarian cancer: learn the signs

05 February 2010

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and ambassador Patricia Brown of the Catholic Women's League is urging all women to learn the symptoms of this disease that kills one Australian woman every 11 hours.

“We all know about breast cancer but not enough women know about ovarian cancer and its symptoms that can provide early detection of the disease and give women a better chance of survival,” she said.

The most common four symptoms which women with ovarian cancer experience frequently and persistently are: pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size/persistent bloating, increased urinary frequency, and difficulty eating and/or feeling full quickly.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an initiative of Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Co-founder and patron Nicole Livingstone said the organisation was particularly focused on providing care for those who had been diagnosed.

“While other organisations are chasing a detection test which could be years away, with 1500 women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia every year, we are here to support women physically, emotionally and intellectually,” she said.

“We established Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month because awareness of the disease and its symptoms is critical in ensuring women and their loved ones know about ovarian cancer and can recognise its symptoms.

“The more people who know about the disease, the greater the chance we have of women being detected earlier and in turn, the better their survival prospects.”

For more information on ovarian cancer, or to make a tax deductible donation telephone Ovarian Cancer Australia on 1300 660 334, email admin@ovariancancer.net.au or go to click here.