ovarian cancer symptoms ; Reducing your risks OF ovarian cance

We don’t know the causes of most ovarian cancer. Research into the causes of ovarian cancer is continuing in Australia and overseas. We do know that there are some factors that may increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer and that there are some protective factors that may reduce a woman's risk. 

Every woman needs to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Make sure you do.
It can be difficult to diagnose ovarian cancer because the symptoms are ones that many women will have from time to time, and they are often symptoms of less serious and more common health problems.

But we do know that ovarian cancer is NOT a silent disease. Women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer report four types of symptoms most frequently:

• Unexplained abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating.
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
• Needing to urinate often or urgently or a change in bowel habits.

If you have any of these symptoms, they are new for you and you have experienced them multiple times during a 4-week period, download our Symptom diary now. Ovarian Cancer Australia's Symptom Diary helps you to monitor your symptoms. You can then take the completed diary to your doctor to assist with diagnosis.

Other symptoms to be aware of

The Symptom diary will also help you to track any other symptoms that are not usual for you. These may include:

• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
• Bleeding in-between periods or after menopause.
• Back pain. 
• Indigestion or nausea. 
• Excessive fatigue.

Be aware — but don't make yourself sick with worry

It is important to remember that most women with these symptoms will not have ovarian cancer. Your doctor should first rule out more common causes of these symptoms, but if there is no clear reason for your symptoms, your doctor needs to consider the possibility of ovarian cancer.
If you are not comfortable with your doctor's diagnosis or you are still concerned about unexplained persistent symptoms, you should seek a second opinion.
You know your body better than anyone else, so always listen to what your body is saying and trust your instincts.