Combatting Australia's biggest gynaecological cancer killer

A national media campaign alerting women to the symptoms of ovarian cancer will be launched today as new survey results reveal many Australian women are unaware of the warning signs of Australia’s biggest gynaecological cancer killer.

The campaign will be launched by National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, who has joined forces with the National Ovarian Cancer Network (OvCa Australia) to launch Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week.

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.

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 its symptoms,” said Dr Helen Zorbas, Director of National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre.

However, levels of awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer remain low.

Only about one third of women surveyed correctly identified feeling full or bloated as a symptom. Less than one quarter of women correctly identified putting on weight around the middle as a symptom. Less than one in 10 women knew indigestion can be a symptom of ovarian cancer. One in five women could not name any symptoms of ovarian cancer. 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 Zorbas.

“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,” said Dr Zorbas.

CEO of OvCa Australia Karen Livingstone added “It is imperative that women trust their instincts and are not afraid to ask their doctor ‘could this be anything to do with my ovaries?’.”

“Women should also ensure their doctor refers their diagnosis to a gynaecological oncologist who is best placed to provide a treatment regime best suited to the individual needs of the patient. Research has shown that women receiving first line of surgery with gynaecological oncologists will ensure better outcomes,” said Ms Livingstone.

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre is launching a new training module today to support general practitioners in the investigation of women who present with symptoms that may be ovarian cancer, and all aspects of their diagnosis and care.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week was established by OvCa Australia in 2003.

(Source: National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre: February 2008.)