Ovarian Cancer: Awareness, Risk Factors, Symptoms

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a condition that is often diagnosed late due to vague or easily overlooked symptoms. Knowing the risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of early detection can make a life-saving difference.

What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?

Some people may have a higher risk¹ of developing ovarian cancer, including those with:

• A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

Other risk factors include:

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Endometriosis

Having one or more risk factors¹ doesn’t mean you will develop ovarian cancer, but it does mean being extra aware of symptoms is important.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

It’s important to remember all the symptoms mentioned below can be caused by other, less serious medical conditions. However, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms which are persistent and troublesome, you should see your doctor to discuss your concerns.

Common symptoms may include:

• Ongoing or persistent bloating
• Unexplained fatigue
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Urinary changes, such as frequency or urgency
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

If symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening, it’s important to seek medical advice.

How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?

There is currently no single screening test for ovarian cancer. To investigate symptoms, a doctor may recommend:

• A physical examination
• Imaging, such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET scans
• Blood tests
• In some cases, a colonoscopy

Early investigation can help rule out serious conditions, or detect them sooner.

Early detection is key

The overall 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is around 49%³. However, when ovarian cancer is detected early (Stage One), the survival rate can be as high as 92%².

Listening to your body and acting early can make a significant difference. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms or have concerns about your risk factors, speaking with a doctor sooner rather than later is an important first step. If you need professional clinical advice or want to discuss symptoms, our doctors are available 24/7. Book an appointment or join the queue to speak to a doctor on demand.

Together, we can raise awareness and support early detection this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Sources

^{1 https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/about-ovarian-cancer/risks-and-causes
2 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6376972/#:~:text=The%20rationale%20for%20early%20detection,%2Dyear%20survival%20of%2070%25.
3 https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-statistics-australia}