Health insights from your Bondi doctors & GPs
Every February in Australia, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month shines a vital spotlight on one of women’s most challenging health issues — ovarian cancer. Coordinated by organisations such as Ovarian Cancer Australia, the campaign educates, advocates, and supports women and their communities while raising crucial funds for research and care. The goal is simple: increase awareness of symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early medical advice to improve outcomes for those affected.
What Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to:
- Educating the public about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
- Advocating for better research funding and access to treatment.
- Supporting women and families affected by this disease.
- Raising funds and community engagement through events, teal ribbon campaigns, and outreach initiatives.
Australians are encouraged to “turn February teal” by wearing teal ribbons and discussing the disease to help drive awareness and change.
Learn more from Ovarian Cancer Australia: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/
Australian national cancer information on ovarian cancer: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/ovarian-cancer-awareness
Understanding Ovarian Cancer: Risks & Realities
Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the ovaries — organs responsible for producing eggs — grow uncontrollably. It has the lowest survival rate of all female cancers in Australia, largely because early stages often go undetected.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions, but persistent or unusual changes should prompt medical review:
- Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained fatigue, weight loss or gain
Because these signs may mirror less serious conditions, early communication with your GP in Bondi is key to ensuring investigations occur when appropriate.
Risk Factors
While anyone with ovaries can develop ovarian cancer, certain factors may increase the likelihood:
- Age: risk increases after 50
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity
- A history of endometriosis
- Having never been pregnant
- Use of certain hormone therapies
Facts About Screening
It’s important to understand the limitations of current medical investigations:
There is currently no approved screening test that reliably detects early ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women. Routine tests like cervical smears do not detect ovarian cancer. Even tests sometimes used (e.g., CA-125 blood test or ultrasounds) are not recommended as general screening tools because they don’t reliably improve early detection outcomes.
This makes awareness of symptoms and timely GP consultation even more vital — early diagnosis often depends on recognising patterns and responding sooner rather than later.
Cancer Australia’s guidance on screening: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/screening
Protective Measures: How You Can Reduce Your Risk
While there’s no way to prevent ovarian cancer entirely, steps you can take include:
- Healthy lifestyle choices: maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and balanced nutrition.
- Quit smoking: reduces risk for many cancers.
- Discuss your family history with your GP, particularly if close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer.
- For those at very high genetic risk, specialist evaluation may consider risk-reducing strategies — including surgery in select cases — but this needs careful medical discussion.
Bondi Residents: How to Stay Proactive About Your Health
At Ocean Medical, Bondi’s trusted medical centre on Bondi Road, our team of experienced Bondi GPs understands the importance of women’s health — especially during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s how we can help:
Book a Health Check
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms or have concerns about risk factors:
- Schedule a comprehensive women’s health consultation with a Bondi doctor
- Discuss your personal and family history
- Undertake targeted examinations (e.g., pelvic exam, personalised blood tests)
- Plan ongoing health monitoring based on age and risk profile
Even though there’s no standard screening test for ovarian cancer, regular check-ins with your GP help ensure subtle changes are not overlooked, and that appropriate investigations are coordinated early.
Meet Our Caring Female GPs
Our Bondi medical centre proudly features compassionate female doctors who specialise in women’s health, offering a supportive environment for discussions about cancer awareness, risk reduction, and general wellbeing.
Ocean Medical is your trusted choice for a Bondi doctor and healthcare partner. Book online or call us today to discuss your health concerns.
Take Action During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- Wear a teal ribbon and help turn February teal
- Share awareness information with friends and family
- Encourage women in your community to seek medical advice for persistent symptoms
By staying informed and proactive, we can support better outcomes together.
For more on ovarian cancer symptoms, treatment, and support:
- Ovarian Cancer Australia: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/
- Cancer Australia – ovarian cancer info: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer/
