A National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre survey has shown that one in five Australian women can't name one symptom of ovarian cancer.
Each year in Australia about 1200 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 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 doesn't have a screening test. So it is vital that women are aware of the symptoms.
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.
Every woman will have experienced one or more of these symptoms at some stage. But if any of these symptoms are unusual for you and they persist, it is important to see your doctor.
