Early warning signs

September 1st marked the kick-off of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This year, 2600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer - the most fatal gynecologic cancer and 1750 will die..

"With no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, the majority of women are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease when the survival rate is less than 30%," says Anne Chase, survivor and National Board Member for Ovarian Cancer Canada. "As the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for less serious conditions, women need to be aware of their bodies."

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer:

increased abdominal size/persistent bloating

persistent pelvic or abdominal pain

difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

urinary symptoms (needing to urinate more urgently or more often than usual)

Other symptoms may include:

change in bowel habits

nausea

fatigue

weight loss or weight gain

menstrual irregularities

If a woman experiences these symptoms for more than a few weeks, Ovarian Cancer Canada urges her to talk to her physician, and if ovarian cancer is suspected her physician must refer her to a gynecological oncologist.

On September 8, as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Walk of Hope will take place in Regina, at the Rick Hansen Optimist Park, 1010 McCarthy Blvd. The Walk of Hope is the most celebrated event across Canada that solely supports ovarian cancer and acknowledges the 17,000 Canadian women living with this disease.

About the Walk of Hope

The Walk of Hope is the single largest fundraiser in Canada that supports ovarian cancer awareness, education and research. Taking place on Sunday September 8, funds raised by the Walk of Hope are put to work supporting ovarian cancer research, increasing awareness of the disease among the public and health professionals, and providing support services to women living with ovarian cancer.

About Ovarian Cancer Canada

Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only national charity in Canada dedicated solely to overcoming ovarian cancer. In addition, Ovarian Cancer Canada provides leadership by supporting women living with the disease and their families, raises awareness in the general public and with health care professionals and funds research to develop early detection techniques, improved treatment and, ultimately, a cure.