Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In 2023, more than 1200 people in Australia were diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. It is a disease that not only affects women but all individuals with ovaries, including transgender and non-binary individuals. It is important that all people with ovaries are aware of the symptoms and discuss any concerns with their GP, as early detection allows for better outcomes, however, with Ovarian Cancer, many of the symptoms are similar to other common conditions. These symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Back, abdominal and pelvic pain
- Change in appetite, becoming full quickly when eating, or indigestion
- Changes in bowel and bladder habits, including frequent urination, diarrhoea and constipation
- Unexpected weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Pain during sex
There are also several risk factors that can place you at a greater risk of developing Ovarian Cancer, including being 50 years or older, having a family history, undergoing some hormone replacement therapies or fertility treatment, if you have endometriosis, obesity, and smoking. Diagnosis generally involves an initial consultation with your GP, where a physical examination can take place. If there are any concerns, blood tests and imaging can be requested. If anything is found during imaging, biopsies can be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
If you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, please make sure to book an appointment with our friendly GP to discuss.
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