Today (Thursday, February 24) is Teal Ribbon Day – an important annual event on the public health calendar coordinated by Ovarian Cancer Australia, as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (February 2022,) which aims to raise awareness of, and funds for, research into this devastating disease.
Each year, an estimated 1,720 Australian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Tragically, 1,042 women will lose their lives to this disease[KB1] , equating to one woman every eight hours.
Given there is currently no standard screening test available for ovarian cancer, the disease is commonly diagnosed late, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer in an advanced stage results in limited treatment options, reflective of the five-year survival rate of the disease, which is 48 per cent.[KB2]
Often ovarian cancer symptoms may go unnoticed, as they can appear vague and be mistaken for less severe conditions, such as menstrual pain and menopause.
The most commonly reported symptoms for ovarian cancer include:
- Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Satiety after eating a small amount of food
- Needing to urinate often or urgently
- Indigestion or nausea
- Lower back pain
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Bleeding after menopause, or in-between periods.
Ovarian Cancer Australia has developed a fabulous ‘symptoms diary’ to help women track any potential ovarian cancer-related symptoms they may be experiencing, and to discuss these symptoms with their doctor.
Although commonly diagnosed in women over age of 50 years, ovarian cancer can occasionally be diagnosed in younger women. So it’s important for all women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this devastating disease.
This month, you can show your support for those living with ovarian cancer by hosting an event, such as a ‘Teal Tea’ party, or by volunteering for an ovarian cancer organisation or initiative in your community, many of which rely on volunteers to help implement programs and services.
You can also wear a teal ribbon this month to symbolize your support for those affected by ovarian cancer share links to ovarian cancer-related stories, fundraising campaigns, and other pages via email and your social media platforms, and of course, talk to your family, friends and colleagues about the disease.
Most importantly, donating to ovarian cancer research can significantly contribute to the development of new treatments and techniques for the disease, which is vital to improving survival rates.
By helping raise awareness for ovarian cancer this February, you will be helping to save lives.
To learn more about ovarian cancer, head to ovariancancer.net.au/[KB3] and download your symptoms diary at ovariancancer.net.au/page/134/signs-and-symptoms?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxoiQBhCRARIsAPsvo-yqBPxxv5jgzSiNf4wjSoG_ymObi1KB7q2dYBbel7KJZJ7kadYomC0aApg5EALw_wcB