Be vigilant about signs of Ovarian cancer

30/01/12

February is Ovarian Cancer awareness month, and Senator Michaelia Cash, shadow spokeswoman for the Status of Women is encouraging each and every Australian to learn the signs of the disease to help identify and stop the cancer in the early stages.

‘Each year about 800 Australian women die from Ovarian cancer – that is about three women each day,’ Senator Cash said. ‘It is a disease which can be tricky to diagnose, and does not share the high profile of other diseases.’

‘Three quarters of cases of Ovarian cancer are already at an advanced stage by the time they are diagnosed, which obviously makes them more difficult to treat,’ Senator Cash said. ‘Throughout February, I encourage all women to initiate conversations with family and friends to increase public awareness of the disease, and if they are concerned about their own health to seek medical advice.’

‘The most common signs of ovarian cancer, like abdominal or pelvic pain, a swollen or bloated stomach, the need to urinate often and a reduced appetite or difficulty eating, are shared with what are often common ailments and symptoms of less sinister complaints,’ Senator Cash said. ‘Because of this, many women dismiss symptoms, associating them with weight gain, tiredness and feeling generally unwell or run down. Other symptoms women need to watch out for include unexplained weight gain or loss, inexplicable bleeding, back pain, indigestion or nausea, or excessive fatigue.’

‘I commend the work being done by Ovarian Cancer Australia to raise awareness of the disease,’ Senator Cash said. ‘Because the symptoms of the disease are so broad, Ovarian Cancer Australia advises women to be in touch with their bodies and know what feels normal to them, and when something does not feel right to make sure that it is investigated thoroughly.’

‘Every Australian man and woman should know those symptoms. It is only through awareness and taking more seriously symptoms and changes in the way we feel, and the way our mothers, daughters, partners, sisters and friends feel, that diagnosis and prospects for survival can increase,’ Senator Cash said.