FEBRUARY is ovarian cancer awareness month and, without an early detection test for the disease, Swan Hill District Health cancer services is keen to educate the community on the symptoms.
The most commonly reported symptoms for ovarian cancer are increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating, abdominal or pelvic (lower tummy) pain, feeling full after eating a small amount or needing to urinate often or urgently.
Other additional symptoms include changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight gain or loss, excessive fatigue, lower back pain, indigestion or nausea, bleeding after menopause or in-between periods, pain during sex or bleeding afterwards.
It is important to remember all the symptoms mentioned can be caused by other, less serious medical conditions.
However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, which are persistent and troublesome, you should see your doctor.
They will be able to examine you and if necessary, do further tests to find the cause of your problems.
You know your body better than anyone else, so always listen to what your body is saying and trust your instincts.
Each year in Australia, more than 1500 people will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, some of the known risk factors include a family history of ovarian cancer, family history of breast or colon cancer, mutation of one or several known genes, increasing age, medical conditions such as endometriosis, use of hormone replacement therapy, tobacco smoking and obesity.
The risk is also higher if one or more of your blood relatives have had ovarian cancer,
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and similar to other medical conditions, but it is important to discuss with your GP if they are unusual or persistent for you.
For more information on ovarian cancer, head to www.overiancancer.net.au, or if you would like local information on cancer services call the cancer care co-ordinator on 5033 9201.
Cancer Mind Care platform
PETER Mac and the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services have partnered together to develop Cancer Mind Care, an online self-help resource for people with cancer, offering tailored mental health support.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological distress has increased for individuals with cancer – a cohort that already had pre-existing unmet emotional and psychological needs.
A lack of specialist cancer psychologists has been reported in some regional locations, while long waiting lists have delayed access to psycho-oncology services across metropolitan Victoria.
Cancer Mind Care can help fill this gap as a free, self-help online platform offering tailored mental health support for people with cancer, their support persons, clinicians and First Nations peoples.
By completing a series of mental wellness questions, visitors to the Cancer Mind Care website can generate a personalised Cancer Mind Plan.
This plan will direct them to information and resources specifically tailored to their needs across 11 different areas of psycho-oncology.
With all details kept anonymous and confidential, Cancer Mind Care represents a non-threatening, first step for individuals seeking access to cancer psychology support and services.
The website also has a range of useful resources for support persons, cancer care clinicians and First Nations peoples.
Check out this supportive new platform: cancermindcare.org.au
