February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to raise awareness about this condition. In Australia, approximately 1,815 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year1. Unfortunately, due to the vague and often non-specific symptoms, most cases are not diagnosed until the cancer has reached an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging and outcomes less favourable.
The role health professionals play is crucial in ensuring that patients are informed and that any concerning symptoms are investigated promptly.
Recognising the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often subtle and overlap with many common, less serious conditions. For this reason, early diagnosis can be difficult. Common symptoms to discuss and check with patients include:
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Pelvic pain
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full quickly or experiencing indigestion
- Urinary changes such as frequency or urgency
- Changes in bowel habits such as constipation
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Unexpected fatigue
Tips of Health Professionals in Western Sydney
In Western Sydney where the patient population is diverse, offering culturally sensitive resources and education can also help raise awareness in communities that may not be fully aware of the risks and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Resources are available in other languages on the Cancer Council Multilingual Resources webpage and Cancer Australia webpage.
While no routine screening test exists for ovarian cancer in the general population, consider referring patients to a specialist if symptoms persist, particularly in women over 50 or those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.
Certain factors, such as older age, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, or inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2), increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. These patients should be monitored more closely.
HealthPathways for Ovarian Cancer
Western Sydney HealthPathways provides local information to assist clinicians in making informed decisions with their patients. Health professionals in Western Sydney can access the pathway for familial cancer syndromes for free on the Western Sydney HealthPathways website. For access, contact the HealthPathways team at healthpathways@wentwest.com.au
Rouse Hill Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic
Women experiencing pelvic pain can also be referred to Rouse Hill Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic for further investigation. Referrals to the clinic can be made, however, patients can book an appointment directly with the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic through the Hotdoc booking portal or via phone on (02) 8889 8900.
1 About Ovarian Cancer (2025), Accessed by: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/get-involved/overian-cancer-awareness-month
Information is correct as of 6 February 2025