September marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month: a time to shine a light on the cancers that affect thousands of women each year. Among them, ovarian cancer stands out as one of the most challenging. It is often called the “silent killer” because early symptoms can be vague, and most cases are diagnosed at a later stage.

At Maven Centre, we believe awareness is the first step towards empowerment. While there is currently no effective screening test for ovarian cancer in women at average risk, knowing the facts (about your own risk of ovarian cancer, potential symptoms, and when to seek help) can make all the difference.

Why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Matters

Ovarian cancer affects around 1,800 Australian women each year. Tragically, many women are diagnosed once the disease has already advanced, which makes treatment more complex. Early detection is key, but the signs are often subtle, and there is no reliable screening program: whether your baseline ovarian cancer risk is deemed to be low or high.

Awareness months like this one are designed to spread knowledge, not fear. By learning the symptoms, understanding your personal risk, and knowing when to talk to your doctor, you are taking an important step in protecting your health.

Screening for Ovarian Cancer: what we know

One of the most common questions patients ask is: ‘Should I be screened for ovarian cancer?” The short answer is: not if you are at average risk.

Why isn’t there a screening test?

Unlike breast cancer (where mammograms have been shown to save lives), and cervical cancer (where cervical screening tests are powerful screening tools), no test currently exists that reliably detects early ovarian cancer in women at average risk. Research has examined the role of:

• CA125 blood test. While this blood test result can be abnormally high in ovarian cancer, it can also be raised by many benign (non-cancerous) conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis. This makes it unreliable for routine screening
• Transvaginal ultrasound. Ultrasound can detect many ovarian cysts or abnormalities, but it cannot reliably distinguish between benign and cancerous growths

Large clinical trials have found that using CA125 and ultrasound for population screening does not reduce deaths from ovarian cancer, and often causes unnecessary anxiety and procedures.

What about women at higher risk?

For women with known genetic mutations that place them at high risk of developing ovarian cancer in future (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), the conversation is different. For such patients, risk-reducing preventive surgery is often appropriate, once they have completed their families or reached a certain age.

If you’re worried about your risk, an excellent first step is to complete the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre’s online risk tool, ‘iPrevent‘. This evidence-based tool helps you understand your personal risk profile, and guides next steps (e.g. whether or not you need to undertake screening for a BRCA gene mutation).

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer: what to watch for

Although often subtle, ovarian cancer does have warning signs. Recognising them, and taking them seriously, can lead to earlier detection.

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
• Constant pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly (so-called ‘early satiety’)
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or back pain

The key is persistence. Many women experience these symptoms occasionally, but if they are new, frequent (more than 12 times a month), and persistent, it’s worth seeing your GP.

What Should You Do If You’re Concerned?

• See your GP. Start with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history. Your GP may recommend an ultrasound or blood test if appropriate.
• Track your symptoms. Keeping a simple diary of when and how often symptoms occur can help your doctor understand what’s happening.
• Know your risk factors. Family history of breast and ovarian cancer is important to share.
• Use risk tools. Completing Peter Mac’s ‘iPrevent’ risk stratification tool is a valuable starting point for understanding your individual situation. Genetic counselling (at Peter Mac) may be suggested if your risk appears elevated.
• Seek specialist advice. If symptoms persist or your risk is higher, your GP can refer you to a gynaecologist for further assessment.

Managing Anxiety About Ovarian Cancer

Understandably, many women feel anxious when they hear about ovarian cancer. While the statistics can sound daunting, it’s important to keep perspective:

• The vast majority of women who experience bloating or pelvic discomfort do not have ovarian cancer
• There are many benign (non-cancerous) explanations for these symptoms
• The key is to get checked promptly so concerns can be investigated and, in most cases, ruled out

At Maven Centre, our role is to support women through this process: providing clear explanations, arranging appropriate investigations, and guiding the next steps if further care is needed.

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month: why it matters

September’s awareness campaign reminds us that gynaecological cancers (ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulval, and vaginal) deserve just as much attention as more widely discussed conditions. Too often, women’s symptoms are minimised or dismissed, leading to delays in diagnosis.

By starting conversations, and encouraging women to seek care, we can shift outcomes towards earlier detection and better survival.

Key Takeaways

• There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer in average-risk women. Neither the CA125 blood test, nor a transvaginal ultrasound are recommended for routine screening
• Know your symptoms. Persistent bloating, pelvic pain, and early satiety (especially in combination) should be discussed with your GP
• Understand your personal risk. Complete the ‘iPrevent’ tool, and talk to your doctor about your family history
• Don’t wait. If you are worried, book an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist. Early conversations can lead to earlier diagnosis and better care.

Conclusion

While ovarian cancer remains a challenging disease, awareness and education are powerful tools. By knowing the signs, understanding the limits of screening, and being proactive about your health, you can take steps to protect yourself.

If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, or if you want to discuss your personal risk, we encourage you to see your GP or gynaecologist. At Maven Centre, we are here to listen, investigate, and support you with evidence-based care.