This year, about 1300 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia.
Most women with ovarian cancer experience at least one symptom of the disease in the year prior to their diagnosis.
What can you do?
There is no screening test for ovarian cancer. The best thing you can do is to know your body and be aware of the disease.
A Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer. It is designed to detect cervical cancer.
About the symptoms
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and can be similar to the symptoms of many other conditions that can be part of everyday life.
But if any of these symptoms are UNUSUAL for you and they PERSIST, see your doctor.
Symptoms that may be due to ovarian cancer 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.
