According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF), “one woman dies every ten hours from ovarian cancer in Australia.”

For many women with ovarian cancer, the disease is already well advanced when they are first diagnosed.

Unfortunately, there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer.

Frocktober aims to help improve the outlook for women with ovarian cancer by supporting the quest for a suitable early detection test through fundraising for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

From the OCRF website:

Early stage ovarian cancer may not have obvious symptoms but the following may occur:

• Vague abdominal pain or pressure
• Feeling of abdominal fullness, gas, nausea, indigestion – different to your normal sensations
• Sudden abdominal swelling, weight gain or bloating
• Persistent changes in bowel or bladder patterns
• Low backache or cramps
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight loss

The majority of women who experience one or two of these early symptoms do not have cancer.

However, it is important that you seek medical advice if the symptoms are unusual or persist.

For further information, visit www.ocrf.com.au or call 1300 OVARIAN.

Links:

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre: Evidence Based Information