For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we checked in with one of our Practice nurses, Anna, for some information surrounding Ovarian Cancer and what to look out for.
What are the facts?
Only 31% of Australians know that ovarian cancer has the poorest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia.
There is currently no screening test available for ovarian cancer.
A Pap test does not detect, or test for ovarian cancer – it is designed to screen for cervical cancer.
Knowing your own body, being aware of the symptoms and raising any concerns with your GP is the best defence.
So what should you look out for?
While there are often no obvious signs of ovarian cancer, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal bloating
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Frequent or urgent urination
- Back, abdominal or pelvic pain
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Menstrual irregularities
- Tiredness
- Indigestion
- Pain during intercourse
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but if you are experiencing any of the above, you should contact your doctor and arrange an appointment for a check-up.