Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Educate. Advocate. Elevate -and raise funds to change the future.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! ‍

Ovarian Cancer is the deadliest women's cancer with a startling overall five-year survival rate of 49%. Every day in Australia, we lose three women to the disease and another five are diagnosed. There is no early detection method and treatment options are severe and limited.

February 23^rd is Teal Ribbon Day and Proactive Physiotherapy will be hosting a Teal Tea. We will be selling cakes and treats to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and feeling full quickly. Women who experience these symptoms for an extended period of time should talk to their doctor and undergo diagnostic tests such as a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and biopsy. If caught early, ovarian cancer is treatable and the chances of a full recovery are greatly increased.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer include age (most cases occur in women over 50), a family history of the disease and women with a genetic predisposition, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.

There are several types of ovarian cancer and the treatment options vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. The most common treatments include surgery to remove the cancerous ovary or uterus, as well as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

It is important for women to educate themselves about the disease and to take control of their health. Regular check-ups and preventive screenings can help detect ovarian cancer early, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. Women can also take steps to reduce their risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking.

Further information regarding Ovarian Cancer can be found at Ovarian Cancer Australia.

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