FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#14 - Flipbook - Page 17
Ovarian cancer is often
called the quiet achiever
of women’s cancers. It
works in the background
with symptoms that can be
subtle or easy to pass off
as something else.
That is why awareness and early
action can make a real difference.
The ovaries and fallopian tubes form
a small but powerful part of the
female reproductive system. They
produce hormones, release eggs
and play a big role in overall health.
Ovarian cancer begins when cells
in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the
lining of the abdomen start to grow
in an abnormal and uncontrolled way.
This is not meant to alarm you but to
empower you with knowledge so you
can recognise the signs, understand
your risks and know when to have a
conversation with your GP.
How Common Is It
In Australia
Ovarian cancer is not the most
common cancer in women, but it is
one of the most serious. According
to Cancer Australia:
• About 1,786 women were
diagnosed in 2023
• It’s the sixth most common cause
of cancer death in women
• The current 昀椀ve year survival
rate sits at about 49 per cent,
largely because about 70% of
cases are diagnosed at advanced
stages. There is no early detection
test, which contributes to the
high rate of advanced diagnoses,
although early-stage diagnosis has
a survival rate over 90%.
Around the World
Globally, approximately 314,000
women are diagnosed with ovarian
cancer each year and over 200,000
women die from it. The World Ovarian
Cancer Coalition predicts these
numbers could rise signi昀椀cantly by
2050 unless prevention, treatment
and early detection continue
to improve.
Who Is Most At Risk
Every woman has some level of
risk, but certain factors increase
it. According to Ovarian Cancer
Australia, the biggest risks include:
• Age. Ovarian cancer is more
common in women over 50
and most often diagnosed after
menopause.
• Genetics. Up to 20 per cent of
cases are linked to inherited gene
faults such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Family history. A strong family
history of ovarian or breast cancer
increases risk.
• Endometriosis, previous breast
cancer and diabetes can also play
a role.
• Lifestyle factors such as obesity
and smoking may increase risk for
some subtypes.
There are also factors that may
reduce risk, including having
children, using the oral contraceptive
pill and tubal ligation. These are not
guarantees, but they do play a part.
