Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

In 2016, it is estimated 1480 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia and a further 1040 women will die from the disease.

Mercy Health Consumer Advisor Jane Power has received the life-changing diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

“When I was diagnosed I was working full time within a busy health sector role, enjoying life with my husband and young adult children,” Jane said.

“When I heard those words ’sit down, I’m sorry to tell you, you have ovarian cancer‘– my world stopped.”

Jane was referred to Mercy Hospital for Women for treatment and has thankfully been cancer-free for five years.

“Only 43 per cent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year will survive past five years. This statistic is simply not good enough,” said Jane.

“I am now doing all I can to help other women become more aware and in tune with their bodies.”

Mercy Hospital for Women is currently only one of six medical centres in Australia taking part in an international drug trial to treat advanced ovarian cancer.

The Ariel 2 trial is looking at the effectiveness of the drug rucaparib in stopping ovarian cancer returning after a successful round of chemotherapy.

Gynaecological Oncologist Peter Grant said Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an important initiative to raise awareness about the disease and encourage women to seek medical advice if they notice any changes to their body.

“If these changes are persistent and include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, needing to urinate urgently or often or feeling full after eating a small amount then I would encourage women to speak to their GP,” Assoc Prof Grant said.

Ovarian Cancer Australia, BreaCan and Mercy Hospital for Women will host a Teal Morning Tea from 10am on Thursday 18 February to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The morning will include a presentation about managing the emotional impact of a gynaecological cancer experience and mini-workshops including tai chi and hand massage.