Breast and ovarian cancer media campaigns
Ovarian cancer awareness campaign
No one knows your body like you do.
Can you name any symptom of ovarian cancer?
If you can’t, you’re not alone.
A National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre survey has shown that one in five Australian women can’t name one symptom of ovarian cancer.
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 the symptoms.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre has developed a national media campaignto alert women to the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
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.
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 Helen Zorbas, Director of National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. “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.”
Breast ovarian cancer awareness campaign
Breast Cancer won't wait - 2007
› View television commercial
› View brochure (pdf 678 kb)
One in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease.
You don’t have to be an expert or use a special technique. Take the time to get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts as part of your daily routine, for example, while showering, dressing or looking in the mirror. Knowing what is normal for you will help you to detect any new breast changes.
It’s never too early to start being breast aware and it’s important to keep up the habit, even if you are having regular mammograms.
Changes to look for include:
- a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
- a change in the size or shape of your breast
- a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- a nipple discharge
- a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.
Nine out of ten breast changes are not due to cancer – but see your doctor to be sure.
If you find a breast change that is new or unusual for you, see your GP without delay. For more information, go to www.breasthealth.com.au/earlydetection/ or call The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
