“Spot the Signs: Ovarian Cancer”
20 Jan 2026
Data from Cancer Institute NSW shows an 18% increase in ovarian cancer diagnoses in South Western Sydney over the past decade, with 71 women diagnosed in 2021 alone.
Unlike some other cancers, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, and its symptoms can be vague or easily mistaken for other conditions. Research from Cancer Australia indicates that nearly half of women diagnosed are unable to identify any symptoms beforehand.
Key Symptoms to Watch For:
- Persistent abdominal bloating or increased abdominal size
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Frequent or urgent urination
Additional Signs May Include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Indigestion or nausea
- Bleeding after menopause or between periods
- Pain during sex or bleeding after
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, your doctor can assess your personal risk.
Remember: you know your body best, so trust your instincts and pay attention to any changes. Tracking your symptoms using the Ovarian Cancer Australia symptom diary and taking it to your doctor can help with early detection.
https://swsphn.com.au/
Source: Cancer Institute NSW; Cancer Australia; Ovarian Cancer Australia
