This February, Ovarian Cancer Australia has been raising awareness of the symptoms, effects, and treatments associated with Ovarian Cancer, and urging all Australian to get involved.
Ovarian Cancer has the lowest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia. Ovarian Cancer killed 944 Australian women in 2020 alone. The disease causes cells in one or both ovaries to grow abnormally and become cancerous. Ovarian Cancer is most often diagnosed in women over the age of 50 and is the eighth most common cancer out of any in Australia. Over 1700 Australian women are diagnosed each year; in most cases the cancer will be diagnosed at an advanced stage and will be very difficult to treat.
There is no early detection test, so it is important that all women know the signs and symptoms:
- Increased size or persistent bloating in the abdomen,
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, and/or lower back,
- Sudden and unexplained weight changes,
- Excessive fatigue,
- Indigestion, nausea, and changes in bowel habits,
- Bleeding after menopause or in-between periods,
- Pain and or bleeding during or after sex,
- Feeling full after eating only small amounts,
- Urgent or frequent needs to urinate.
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Australia says they aim to educate Australians on this disease, advocate for more funding, better laws, and greater treatment access, and elevate the voices of women impacted by sharing their stories and experiences around the country.
2023’s Giving Day (23 February) successfully raised a total of $554,062 from over 1,500 donors, to help ensure Ovarian Cancer Australia can continue to provide the best possible care to those facing Ovarian Cancer despite the challenges of our current economic climate.
Before February wraps up for 2023, Ovarian Cancer Australia urges Aussie Ovarian Cancer allies to display a Teal Ribbon, host a Teal Tea, or donate to the foundation to raise funds for research, advocacy, and support programs.
To find out more about Ovarian Cancer or show your support, visit www.ovariancancer.net.au/, and don’t forget to tag @ovariancanceroz and use #OCAM2023 in your social posts.
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