“Women should be alerted not to let their symptoms go unchecked. That’s my biggest message.”
With ovarian cancer being a silent threat that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late, local retired specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Pieter Mourik AM urges women to be vigilant about any new or unusual pelvic or abdominal symptoms.
February marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer, its symptoms, early detection methods, and the importance of research and support for those affected by the disease.
Ovarian cancer sadly often goes undetected as often there are no symptoms in the early stages, or if a woman does experience symptoms, they are mistaken for other ailments and can be subtle.
With most cases not found until it has spread within the pelvis and stomach, at this late stage, this type of cancer is more difficult to treat and can be fatal.
“The best advice for women, especially in this Ovarian Awareness Month, is to be aware of any pelvic or abdominal symptoms that are new or unusual,” Dr Mourik told the Yarrawonga Chronicle and Corowa Free Press.
“Report this to their doctor, don’t take no for an answer, and request an ultrasound, at the very least.
“Organise an internal scan because the earlier you catch a tumour, the better the outcome will be.
“Women diagnosed early have a 90 percent chance of surviving past five years.
“Three-quarters of ovarian cancer patients do not present until the cancer has spread way past their ovaries into their abdominal cavity- that’s why they have a very poor prognosis.
“One problem diagnosing the disease is that most women experience non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, an enlarged abdomen, nausea, change in bowel or bladder habits or deep pain with intercourse.
“However, most women are totally without symptoms, until the cancer has enlarged or spread which often means the cancer isn’t diagnosed until an advanced stage when there’s only a 30 to 40 per cent chance a patient will survive five years after treatment.
“For a family navigating a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, make sure to first be referred to a local specialist who will confirm and stage the tumour.
“Most cases require referral to a specialist oncologist in the city, but if chemotherapy is required, our local Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre has world-class specialists who can provide the best treatment.
Dr Mourik said there are several factors that place women at a higher risk of contracting ovarian cancer which include:
- Women are two times as likely to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer if they have had no children.
- Women who suffer with infertility are three times more likely
- Women with obesity are three times more likely
- Women who are in early menarche (the first occurrence of menstruation) or late menopause
- Women who have a family history are three times more likely
- Who have genetic mutations BRCA 1 and 2; or Lynch Syndrome
- Age and of a Caucasian race
Dr Mourik also said that there are several epidemiology factors
- Most lethal gynaecological malignancy and fifth most common female malignancy
- It is the fifth most common cause of cancer death
- There is a lifetime risk of 1 in every 72 women (1.6%) being diagnosed with the disease
- The peak incidence is between 65-74 years
- Over 60% of cases occur in women over the age of 60.
- In the local region, which also encompasses Albury/Wodonga, there is an occurrence of two new cases per year which equates to 10:100,000 population.
While there is no preventative measures for ovarian cancer, Dr Mourik said health professionals understand there are some minor protective factors.
“Women who have many children have a reduced risk as well as those who are breast feeding,” Dr Mourik said.
“Women who are also using oral contraceptive or have had a tubal ligation and/or a hysterectomy also appear to be more protected as well as those who are on a low fat, high fibre diet.
“All in all, a five year survival in the advanced stages of the disease is quite poor.
“Each year, 100,000 women around the world die from ovarian cancer which is why more funding and research is required and why Ovarian Cancer Month is so important to every woman in our lives.”