February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries.
While there are many types of ovarian cancer the three most common types of ovarian cancer are: the common epithelial type (90% of cases) that arises from the cells on the outside of the ovary; the germ cell type (around 4% of cases) that arises from the cells which produce eggs; and the rare stromal type arising from supporting tissues within the ovary.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer affecting women in Australia.
Around 1400 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year in Australia. The risk of being diagnosed before age 85 is 1 in 85.
There are often no obvious signs of ovarian cancer, however 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 these symptoms and would like to see a doctor for a check up, call GP Clinic on 24134 to make an appointment.
To read more about this cancer, please visit Cancer Council website https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer