February marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.
In Australia every year, around 1,800 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The disease is particularly devastating as 70% of cases will not be diagnosed until the cancer has progressed into advanced stages. Women diagnosed in the advanced stage are only given a 29% survival beyond five years of diagnosis, making it the most lethal of the gynaecological cancers.
Detection is often late due to ovarian cancer’s vague symptoms and a lack of early detection testing. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, feeling full, and needing to urinate more often.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation are raising awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research throughout February.
OCRF have outlined simple ways to raise awareness:
- Share facts and statistics about ovarian cancer through social media
- Share your own story
- Encourage your workplace to get involved
- Start conversations with friends and family
- Myth bust the common misconceptions
For more information, visit www.ocrf.com.au/get-involved/ovarian-cancer-awareness-month