What Every Woman Should Know

Ovarian cancer is not common but it is important to be aware of it as early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, it is a difficult cancer to detect in the early stages. It usually starts as a painless lump on the ovary that gradually enlarges. As there is plenty of room for it to grow, it does not cause much in the way of symptoms until it is quite large. The symptoms are vague and often overlooked. This means that it is usually not diagnosed until it is quite advanced.

Facts and Figures

Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in women.

10 most common causes of death from cancer in Australian women (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2008)

1. Lung cancer
2. Breast cancer
3. Colorectal cancer
4. Cancer from unknown primary site
5. Pancreatic cancer
6. Ovarian cancer
7. Lymphoma
8. Leukaemia
9. Brain
10. Melanoma

Every year, around 1,400 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia. About 75% will be diagnosed in an advanced stage and unfortunately, the chances of surviving more than five years are low, with only about 25 per cent of these women living more than five years.

When ovarian cancer is diagnosed at an early stage the outlook is exceedingly good, with as many as 90% of patients being cured. Unfortunately only about 25% of diagnoses are early stage. Currently there are no reliable early detection tests for ovarian cancer, and therefore no screening programs to protect women from late stage diagnosis.

Early Symptoms Can Exist 

Know your own body

The symptoms are vague and non-specific. Almost every woman will experience symptoms like these at various times in their lives. In most cases the symptoms will not be caused by ovarian cancer.

If you experience these symptoms and they are a change from the normal for you, they persist for more than two weeks and there is no other explanation, then see your doctor.

• Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort 
• Abdominal bloating - unexplained weight gain 
• Feeling full/appetite loss/weight loss
• Feeling tired 
• Gastrointestinal upsets e.g. gas, nausea, indigestion, heartburn 
• Backache 
• Cramps 
• Bladder problems (frequency/urgency of urination in the absence of infection) 
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhoea) 
• Unusual vaginal bleeding 
• Pain during intercourse

Abdominal bloating, difficulty eating, unexplained weight gain, constipation, heartburn, severe back pain, urinary frequency and severe fatigue are the most common symptoms.

What Can You Do? 

Known risk factors for ovarian cancer

The incidence of ovarian cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring after the age of 45. However, ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages, including teenagers.

Family history can be a valuable indicator of higher risk for some women. One or more close relatives with ovarian cancer, or breast cancer at an early age could indicate an increase in your risk.

Late menopause, infertility and not having children seems to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Conversely, having had several children, breast feeding and using the contraceptive pill have all been shown to reduce the risk.

If you are concerned talk to you doctor about your risk.

If ovarian cancer is suspected

If you experience some of the symptoms for more than two weeks, and they are a change from the normal for you, then see your GP.

Talk to your doctor about the possibility of ovarian cancer. Your doctor should perform a pelvic examination and if no other cause can be determined for your symptoms, ask your doctor to arrange a transvaginal ultrasound examination. This test is very good at showing abnormalities on the ovary.

Your doctor can also order a simple blood test called a CA-125. However, a CA-125 is not very reliable and shouldn't be the only test, especially if you haven't been through the menopause.

If your pelvic examination, ultrasound and/or CA-125 test results suggest that ovarian cancer is a possibility then seek a referral to a Gynaecologic Oncologist as soon as possible.

Gynaecologic Oncologists are specialists specifically trained to treat cancers such as ovarian cancer. It has been shown that women with ovarian cancer who are treated by a Gynaecologic Oncologist have better outcomes.

Two Minute Tips

• ovarian cancer is not common
• the signs of ovarian cancer are very mild in the early stages
• these signs are hard to pick up and any change in bowels or bladder or pain in the lower back or lower tummy that persist should be checked
• don’t panic but just be aware if your body changes and discuss it with your doctor if ovarian cancer is picked up early it is much easier to treat
• CA125 is not a good blood test to use to pick up ovarian cancer as it may be positive with no cancer present or negative when cancer is present. It is used in combination with other tests.
• If you have symptoms see your doctor for a check-up and they may arrange a CA125 blood test and a vaginal ultrasound.

Further Resources

Ovarian Cancer Australia
Phone: (toll-free) 1300 660 334
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.ovariancancer.net.au

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre www.nbocc.org.au   

Cancer Council Helpline Phone: 13 11 20 

Parts of this information were kindly reproduced with the permission of Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Cancer Prevention: Reducing the Risk (Women’s Weekly Series)
By Susan Woodland

Content updated December 17, 2009