Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held each year in Australia to:
- Raise awareness of signs and symptoms;
- Share stories of real women affected by the disease;
- Highlight the risk factors of ovarian cancer;
- Educate Australians on diagnosis and treatment;
What are the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer?
According to Ovarian Cancer Australia:
- Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal boating;
- Abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain;
- Feeling full after eating a small amount;
- Needing to urinate often or urgently;
- Changes in bowel habits;
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain;
- Lower back pain;
- Excessive fatigue;
- Indigestion or nausea;
- Bleeding after menopause or in-between periods;
- Pain during intercourse or bleeding after;
It is important to remember all the symptoms mentioned can be caused by other, less serious medical conditions. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, which are persistent and troublesome, you should see your doctor. They will be able to examine you and if necessary, do further tests to find the cause of your problems.
Risk factors of ovarian cancer:
- Increasing age;
- Hereditary factors;
- Having endometriosis, previous breast cancer or diabetes;
- Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT);
- Being overweight;
- Smoking;
- Having not had children;
Diagnosis:
If you are concerned, visit your local GP (otherwise, you can visit our doctors at Geelong Medical and Health Group – https://www.geelongmedicalgroup.com.au/)
What can you do to help?
Buy a teal ribbon for $3 or donate to Ovarian Cancer Australia – https://ovariancancer.net.au/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month/