{"id":7108,"date":"2021-02-09T14:06:59","date_gmt":"2021-02-09T06:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solariscancercare.org.au\/?p=7108"},"modified":"2021-02-09T14:06:59","modified_gmt":"2021-02-09T06:06:59","slug":"the-importance-of-paying-attention-to-ovarian-cancer-warning-signs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/solaris.nicoleking.com.au\/index.php\/2021\/02\/09\/the-importance-of-paying-attention-to-ovarian-cancer-warning-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Paying Attention to Ovarian Cancer Warning Signs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by CATHERINE NGUYEN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ovarian cancer is the 10th<\/sup><\/a> most commonly diagnosed cancer among females in Australia, with about a 46% chance of surviving for 5 years after diagnosis. The chance is much higher at 94%<\/a> when found early, but only around 20% of ovarian cancers are discovered at an early stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no standard screening test available for ovarian cancer unlike some other cancers. As such, it is critical to be aware of the symptoms and warning signs of ovarian cancer and see your doctor if you experience anything new or abnormal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandra Fenton<\/a>, an ovarian cancer survivor, cannot emphasise this enough. She put her early symptoms down to stress of the move from New Zealand back to Australia and adjusting to the change in climate. By the time she was diagnosed, the cancer had spread from her ovaries through her stomach lining and into her lungs. Sandra is now cancer free, but is keen to share her experience to help others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She says, \u201cNo matter what your age, don\u2019t ignore changes and symptoms or make excuses for them. Go to your doctor. Never think that you\u2019re wasting the doctor\u2019s time with a minor concern. We women need to overcome embarrassment about seeing a doctor for women\u2019s health issues. We need to talk about these things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also wants to address some misconceptions women might have about ovarian cancer, including family history or screening. \u201cIt\u2019s not in my family history or genetics \u2013 we did a test. Just because it\u2019s not in your family doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re safe. And you can\u2019t pick it up with a Pap smear [now a cervical screening test].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sandra\u2019s family also encourages others to pay attention to changes in their loved one\u2019s health and urge them to see their doctor about symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning Signs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most common warning signs<\/a> for ovarian cancer are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n