Five-year survival rate deadliest at just over half

It is a disease where some of the cells in one or both ovaries grow abnormally and develop into a malignant tumour.
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They are small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus (womb).
Ovaries produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer in Australia, with around 1,700 new cases being diagnosed each year.
As there are usually no obvious symptoms of ovarian cancer, and no current screening test, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect and is often diagnosed in its advanced stages.
The five-year survival rate of ovarian cancer is 48 per cent and 70 per cent of those diagnosed with advanced cancer and in remission will have a recurrence.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include: Excessive fatigue; unexplained weight gain or loss; increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating; abdominal or pelvic pain; feeling full after eating only a small amount; changes in bowel habits; lower back pain; indigestion or nausea; needing to urinate often or urgently; bleeding after menopause or in-between periods; and pain during sex or bleeding after.
During February – Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – organisers are also urging residents to buy a teal ribbon and pen pack (Terry White chemist or website below) and wear it to create awareness as well as Hosting a Teal Tea to raise funds.
Donations or purchases: ovariancancer.net.au.