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Shire of Victoria Plains
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February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in one or both ovaries. Left untreated, ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body.
Ovarian cancer is the 9th most common cancer affecting women in Australia and the leading cause of gynaecological cancer deaths in
Australia. Each year in Australia, approx. 1300 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer approx.1000 women die.
70% of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease.
Only 40% women with ovarian cancer survive five years beyond their diagnosis.
Risk factors
getting older: women over 50 are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than younger women (average age at diagnosis is 63). However,
ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages.
inheriting a faulty gene (gene mutation) increases the risk of ovarian cancer
having a strong family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or some other cancers, including bowel and endometrial cancer. It is
important to remember that only around 5-10% of all ovarian cancers are due to inherited factors
endometriosis, when the tissue lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the uterus
hormonal factors such as early puberty, late menopause or the long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Your risk of ovarian cancer is increased if you smoke, are overweight or obese, don't exercise, drink alcohol or have a poor diet.
Symptoms
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages as symptoms can be non-specific or similar to those of other diseases.
Symptoms include:
a swollen, bloated abdomen
pressure, discomfort or pain in the abdomen
heartburn, nausea and bloating
changes in toilet habits (e.g. constipation, diarrhea, frequent urination due to pressure, increased flatulence)
tiredness and loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss or weight gain
changes in your menstrual pattern or postmenopausal bleeding
pain during sex
It is important to know these symptoms, but it is equally important to know ovarian cancer often develops without symptoms. What's more,
having these symptoms does not mean you have ovarian cancer, as they may be caused by other conditions. However, if you do have any
of these symptoms you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
For Sale
Pork Sides (approx. 30 kg) home delivered.
These are home grown pigs processed at Linley Valley.
Fresh sides for the home butcher $6 / kg.
Order now for the next delivery.
Phone: David or Valerie on 96275248 (until 9pm and weekends).
The Shire of Victoria Plains and all the Community wish to express
their deepest sympathy to Mrs Lois Hart and all the Hart family on the
very sad loss of Mr Bill Hart, loving husband, father and grandfather.
Mr Hart worked for the Shire of Victoria Plains for many years before
retiring to spend time with his loving family. May he rest in peace.