Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Everything You Need to Know

This February marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative by Ovarian Cancer Australia to bring awareness to the approximately 1,720 women in Australia who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. 

With ovarian cancer most likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage – at which point treatment becomes increasingly difficult – growing our understanding of this disease is crucial in helping Australian women to identify early symptoms.

We each have an opportunity this month to play a small – but mighty – role in bringing awareness and education to our communities. By taking part in this initiative, we can change the tide of ovarian cancer statistics, empowering Australian women with the vital information they need about this devastating disease. 

 

Understanding the risk factors of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer for Australian females, with a survival rate of 48% beyond five years after an initial diagnosis. While women have a survival rate of over 90% if ovarian cancer is diagnosed at Stage 1, unfortunately, challenges in diagnosing this particular cancer mean that approximately 70% of cases in Australia are diagnosed in Stage 3 or 4, leading to a low overall survival rate. 

Many of the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be easily dismissed as common female experiences by women and health practitioners alike. Common symptoms can include:

• Bloating or a sense of fullness in the abdominal
• Abdominal or back pain
• A loss of appetite
• Changes to regular toilet habits
• Irregular weight loss or weight gain
• Indigestion, heartburn or fatigue

Women who have a strong existing family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease. As two genes are associated with ovarian cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2), the inheritance of a fault in one of these genes means a woman may have a high chance of developing ovarian or breast cancer. Other factors also play a contributing role, including:

• Ageing
• Endometriosis and other medical conditions
• The use of hormone replacement therapy
• Smoking
• Obesity

 

Can ovarian cancer be prevented?

There’s still no known method to prevent ovarian cancer, but studies have found correlations between certain life experiences and lowered chances of its development:

• The use of birth control for five or more years
• A tubal ligation, having both ovaries removed, or a hysterectomy
• Having given birth
• Breastfeeding for a year or more

For those who have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, genetic testing can also play a role in identifying individual risk factors. Throughout this process, individual medical and family histories are reviewed, helping to predict whether a gene mutation is likely to be associated with an increase in ovarian cancer risk. Working closely with your healthcare professional is one way to take a proactive approach to understanding your ovarian cancer risk profile. They will also analyse the options available to you based on your individual circumstances and medical history. 

 

What’s the purpose of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?

If you spot a teal ribbon in public this month, you’ve likely just seen someone working to bring awareness to ovarian cancer.

With only 31% of Australians aware that ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of any female cancer in Australia, it’s more important than ever for our collective awareness to grow. The spread of evidence-based information can play a tangible role in helping women identify ovarian cancer at earlier stages of its development, leading to an increase in its survival rate through early detection.

Alongside growing awareness, Ovarian Cancer Australia encourages each and every one of us to use this month to advocate on behalf of those who are impacted by ovarian cancer. More research funding, alongside better laws and policies, needs to be committed to changing the course of ovarian cancer within Australia. Increased access to affordable treatment options is also of high priority, with a direct correlation to better outcomes when treatment is accessible to all, regardless of their financial status.

The month of February is a time of powerful opportunity to elevate the voices of women who have been impacted by ovarian cancer. The idea is to create a platform for their experiences that can naturally educate a wider range of Australians on the risk this cancer poses. 

 

How you can get involved

Looking to take part in Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month? There are numerous ways you can do so that are easily accessible all over Australia.

Ovarian Cancer Australia invites us to:

• Make a donation – on the 23rd of February 2023, all donations will be matched by generous major donors. This has great potential to positively contribute to the ongoing ability of the organisation to deliver vital support programs to those experiencing this disease.
• View the Parliamentary Breakfast – taking place on the 7th of February 2023, the annual Parliamentary Breakfast is an integral part of raising national awareness. 
• Host a Teal Tea – what better way to raise much-needed funds and increase the awareness of those in your immediate community than hosting a Teal Tea? Whether you host a morning tea at work or a weekend event with friends and family, this is an easy and enjoyable way to raise funds that support those affected by ovarian cancer.
• Wear a teal ribbon – available at Ovarian Cancer Australia’s online store, wearing a teal ribbon can bring vital awareness to this important initiative. 

 

Make the most of these awareness resources

As a part of the month-long activities, Ovarian Cancer Australia has built a number of powerful ovarian cancer awareness resources. These are designed to raise general awareness levels of ovarian cancer, helping to educate us about the risks and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well as the importance of working towards earlier diagnoses. 

Looking to learn more about key areas of female health? Sign up for our newsletter and stay connected to our resources.