Ovarian Cancer

Over 1,200 patients are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia each year, with almost 900* dying from the condition. Ovarian cancer is more common in women 60 years and older.

People with ovarian cancer may not have any symptoms or may have only non specific symptoms such as such as persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic or back pain, cramps, swelling, and general tiredness.

Treatment will depend on the extent of the cancer and usually surgery is required. Surgery helps the physician to accurately stage the tumour. Chemotherapy is often started following surgery to try and remove any tumoir cells that may have spread beyond the overies or tumour cells not visible during surgery.. Sometimes with widespread disease, the chemotherapy is given before surgery. to try and decrease the amount of tumour present.

There are a number of chemotherapy regimens which can be given to control and stop the cancer from growing. As with all chemotherapy, side effects are a part of the treatment.. Should chemotherapy be needed, healthcare professionals will adopt a number of methods/treatments to minimise side effects and to maximise benefits.

* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Cancer in Australia: an overview, 2008. (accessed 4 May 2009)