Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is held each year in Australia to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, to share the stories of real women affected by the disease, to highlight the risk factors for ovarian cancer and educate Australians on ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Ovarian cancer is still the deadliest women’s cancer. 

Unfortunately, this has not changed in 30 years. 

Every day in Australia, four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and three will die from the disease. 

This year in Australia more than 1600 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and more than 1000 women die from the disease.

If women are diagnosed at an early stage, they have a 45 per cent chance of being alive and well within five years of diagnosis. 

However, approximately 75 per cent of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage, where the cancer has spread and is difficult to treat successfully.

There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, so the best way of detecting the disease is to know and recognise the signs and symptoms. Ovarian cancer cannot be detected by a pap test or cervical smear.

Ovarian Cancer Australia urges all Australians to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, learn their family medical history, and start conversations about ovarian cancer with their friends, family and health professionals.

Other ways you can take action during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and beyond:

In 2019, Ovarian Cancer Australia will be taking action for prevention programs, more high impact research, towards better treatment, greater awareness and support services for women living with ovarian cancer.

It’s time for all Australians to know ovarian cancer, and to take action to change the story for future generations.

For more information, to host an event or to donate go to: ovariancancer.net.au.