Ovarian cancer: Risk factors and symptoms to watch for

Everyone’s heard of breast cancer.

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Sadly, we all know someone who’s affected by it, and healthcare professionals constantly remind us to check our breasts for abnormalities.  

But there’s another women’s cancer that’s also important to recognise – ovarian cancer. 

Each year, approximately 1,815 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer – effectively five a day. Tragically, around 1,016 women lose their lives to this disease annually. 

The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer in Australia is 49%, which is notably lower than that of other cancers affecting women. 

Why? Partially because often missed and overlooked symptoms lead to later-stage diagnosis. 

Like all things in women’s health, self-advocacy is huge. That means regularly seeing a GP you trust, getting recommended screenings, and staying in tune with your body. 

Here are a few key things worth knowing about cervical cancer so that you can give yourself the best shot at early detection.

Know your risk factors

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As with most cancers, several factors can increase your risk of developing ovarian cancer:

• Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after menopause, with the average age of diagnosis being 64.
• Genetic factors: Approximately 20% of ovarian cancers stem from inherited genetic mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. People with these mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
• Family history: Having close relatives with ovarian, breast, colorectal, or endometrial cancer can increase risk.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, a history of breast cancer, or diabetes may elevate the risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Factors such as being overweight, smoking, and not having had children can also contribute to a higher risk.

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What are the common symptoms to watch for?

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Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. The most commonly reported symptoms include:

• Increased abdominal size or persistent bloating
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• Needing to urinate often or urgently

These symptoms are often mistaken for less serious health issues, which can delay diagnosis.

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Lesser-known symptoms to watch for

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Beyond the more common signs, there are additional symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer:

• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Fatigue
• Menstrual irregularities
• Pain during intercourse

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than ovarian cancer. 

However, if you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for advice.

Early detection and prevention

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Unlike breast and cervical cancer, there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer, so being aware of the symptoms, and understanding your personal risk factors is super important. Regular check-ups and discussing any concerns with your doctor will help with early detection.

If you also have a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer, genetic counselling and testing for BRCA mutations may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

If there is a genetic predisposition, more regular check-ups can be scheduled, and potentially even preventive surgeries might be an option.

Where to go for support and resources

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Ovarian Cancer Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation that helps support and advocate for people impacted by ovarian cancer. 

They offer resources, support groups (both face-to-face and online), and information for patients and their families.

Wrapping it up

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With subtle symptoms and a glaring lack of effective routine screening, ovarian cancer continues to be a challenging disease. At the same time, there are lots of things you can do to support early detection. 

Know your risk factors, have routine health checks and screenings, pay attention to changes in your body, and if something feels wrong – talk to your GP. 

And importantly, remind the women in your life to do the same. 

Sources

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Cancer Council Victoria, Ovarian cancer statistics and trends, August 2024
Health Direct, Ovarian Cancer, November 2023
Cancer Council, Ovarian Cancer, August 2024