Be Ovary Aware: Ovarian Cancer Australia symptom diary

One in 70 Australian women will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime. Physicians often diagnose the disease at an advanced stage when it is difficult to treat, and there is currently no reliable early-detection test or screening program for this cancer. Contrary to popular belief, almost all women with ovarian cancer experience symptoms, even in the early stages. Awareness is the key to early diagnosis. Ovarian Cancer Australia's symptom diary can help women communicate clearly with their doctors about symptoms that may suggest ovarian cancer.

DOWNLOAD YOUR SYMPTOM DIARY HERE

Who should use the symptom diary?

Australian- and US-based research shows there are four key symptoms that are more frequent in women with ovarian cancer. Particularly helpful for women who experience symptoms more than 12 times during a four-week period, the symptom diary allows women to track their symptoms every day for a month. The four main symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or pelvic (lower-abdominal) pain that keeps recurring.
• A noticeable increase in abdominal size or abdominal bloating.
• Needing to rush to the toilet to urinate often or urgently.
• Feeling full quickly or finding it difficult to eat.

The symptom diary is also useful for women who experience other unexplained, persistent symptoms. These include changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight gain or loss, bleeding between periods or after menopause, back pain, indigestion, nausea or excessive fatigue.

What's next?

You should take your completed symptom diary to your doctor and explain that you’re concerned about ovarian cancer. The diary’s records give the doctor a clear picture of your symptoms, which he or she uses to rule out their common causes. If your doctor cannot find clear reasons for these symptoms, he or she needs to consider the possibility of ovarian cancer and should:

• Perform a pelvic examination.
• Arrange a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound.
• Order a CA 125 blood test.

If any of these test results suggest that ovarian cancer is a possibility, your doctor must refer you to a gynaecological oncologist as soon as possible.

Top tips for communicating with your doctor

1. Clearly and confidently tell your doctor that you're worried about the possibility of ovarian cancer.
2. List your concerns before your doctor’s appointment (your mind can go blank when you're under pressure).
3. With the help of your completed diary, describe your symptoms in as much detail as you can. It's especially helpful for your doctor to know when your symptoms began, how often you experience them and how severe they are.
4. Tell your doctor if anyone on either side of your family has had breast, ovarian or bowel cancer. (Ovarian cancer can sometimes run in families.)
5. If you’re unsatisfied with your doctor's explanation of your symptoms, you should seek a second opinion until your doctor organises the necessary tests.

Remember: you know your own body and what's normal or unusual for you.

DOWNLOAD YOUR SYMPTOM DIARY HERE

Go to ovariancancer.net.au for more information or pick up a copy from your nearest Chemmart Pharmacy.

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