Rea is an Osteopath who has a keen interest in women’s health. Here she shares some information on ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cause of a new cancer diagnosis in women and people with ovaries and is the 6th most common cause of cancer deaths among women and people with ovaries in Australia.
Presenting symptoms:
Abdominal bloating
Indigestion and lack of appetite
Weight gain or loss
Change in bowel habits
Fatigue
Urinary frequency or incontinence
Abdominal and pelvic pain often with a feeling of pressure in the abdomen
Most of these symptoms are non-specific but research shows the most reliable symptoms are pain, appetite change and urinary symptoms that last more than 12 days in the month.
What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer?
Increased age. The average age of diagnosis in Australia is 64 years of age.
Being post-menopausal. Approximately 30% of ovarian neoplasms are malignant in
postmenopausal women compared to 7% in pre-menopausal women.
Being a carrier of the bRCA1 gene mutation increases your lifetime risk of ovarian cancer by 40%.
Being a carrier of the BRCA2 mutation increases your lifetime risk of ovarian cancer to approximately 11%.
Ovarian cancer has also been associated with low parity (fewer or no children), sub-fertility, early onset of menstruation and late onset of menopause.
There is no proven effective method of screening for ovarian cancer, however most research has used blood tests examining for CA125 levels and transvaginal ultrasonography for those experiencing symptoms or at risk.
Pelvic Health Osteopathy can assist in relieving symptoms and managing pain. For more information on Pelvic Health Osteopathy, click here.
To meet Rea, click here. To make a booking, call or book online.
1 Disclaimer: the information in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.