The Power of Early Detection: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

February marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month,  a timely reminder to spread awareness about the risks and signs of ovarian cancer, which is often the deadliest of gynaecological cancer. 

At Nurture Gynaecology, we want to help add to the ongoing conversation and raise awareness among patients, friends and family about the importance of early detection, symptoms and support for ovarian cancer patients Australia-wide.

With ovarian cancer being the seventh most common cancer in women worldwide, with most cases occurring in women over the age of 50, early detection can significantly increase the chance of successful treatment. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about ovarian cancer symptoms, treatment options and more, please read this blog post and be sure to share it with those who you feel may benefit.

This blog post will touch on:

• What is ovarian cancer?
• What are ovarian cancer symptoms?
• What causes ovarian cancer?
• How is ovarian cancer diagnosed?
• Why detection in early stage is important
• Preventing ovarian cancer
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumours; this type of cancerous growth can occur in one or both ovaries. There are three different types of ovarian cancers, and the most common is epithelial ovarian cancer, which grows on the outside of the ovary and accounts for about 90% of cases. The germ cell type (around 4% of cases) is found growing from the cells which produce eggs; the rare stromal type grows from supporting tissues within the ovary.

According to The Cancer Council, in 2022 alone, over 1,300 individuals were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia, and the typical age of diagnosis was 66 years. It is a disease that often goes undetected until it has spread to other parts of the body, making it more challenging to treat.

What Are The Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often not noticeable during the early stages. As the cancer grows, women may experience symptoms such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and changes in bladder or bowel habits. Although these are all ovarian cancer symptoms, they are in no way specific to ovarian cancer alone and may be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor if you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

What Causes Ovarian Cancer?

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing it. These factors include age, family history of ovarian or breast cancer, the use of hormone replacement therapy, and certain genetic mutations. Women with a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer may also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Here is a list of some factors that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer:

• age (risk increases for women over 50)
• family history of ovarian, breast or bowel cancer
• changes in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
• being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
• early onset of periods (before 12 years) and late menopause
• women who have not had children or had their first child after the age of 35
• using oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatment.

How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ovarian cancer can be challenging, as there is no single test that can confirm the disease. If a woman experiences symptoms or is at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, her doctor may recommend a pelvic exam, blood tests, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. A biopsy may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

The Power Of Early Detection

The key to the successful treatment of ovarian cancer is early detection. When ovarian cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rates are over 90%. However, when it is not detected until it has spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to less than 30%. Due to the aggressive nature of cancers, when they are in an advanced stage, treatments like chemotherapy and more intense treatment options are required, putting a huge strain on the patient’s ability to recover. That is why it is so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and to seek medical attention if you experience any of them.

Preventing Ovarian Cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk, such as maintaining general health and a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and using birth control pills. Women who have completed their families may also consider having their ovaries or fallopian tubes tied or removed, as this can significantly reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

In Australia, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is in February. Throughout the month, organisations like The Cancer Council and ovarian cancer Australia across Australia hold events to educate the public and raise funds for ovarian cancer research. By increasing public knowledge and funding research, we can improve early detection rates and save lives.

How can you help?

Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that often goes undetected until it has spread to other parts of the body. However, when caught early, it is highly treatable. That is why it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and to seek medical attention if you experience any of them. You can help raise awareness about ovarian cancer by sharing information with your family and friends, by wearing teal ribbons, and participating in local events. You can also donate to organisations that support ovarian cancer research and education. By raising awareness and supporting research, we can improve early detection rates and save lives.

If you’d like to learn more or have some personal questions about ovarian cancer treatment, possible symptoms and detection, please contact us for an appointment with our certified Gynaecologist Dr. Brooke O’Brien.