Know The Signs And Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2012 focuses on raising awareness of signs and symptoms

The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) is organizing the Positively TEAL Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the month of June, in partnership with KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital (NUH) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Women tend to ignore the symptoms of ovarian cancer as they mimic those of digestive and bladder problems. This year’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM) campaign, Positively TEAL, focuses on raising awareness among women of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer to prevent late diagnosis, which affects survival rates. The campaign theme is based on teal, which is the internationally recognised colour for ovarian cancer awareness.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary problems such as urgent or frequent urination. “These symptoms are often overlooked as they are not unique to ovarian cancer. However, if symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, we encourage women to seek medical attention,” said OCAM 2013 Committee Chairman Dr Timothy Lim, Deputy Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Gynaecological Oncology at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Ovarian cancer is presently the fifth most common cancer among Singaporean women, accounting for 1,506 cases or 5.4 per cent of all female cancers diagnosed from 2007 to 2011.1

The rate of this cancer increases greatly after the age of 35. “There is currently no screening test available, so we encourage women not to ignore the signs and symptoms. So until there is a test, awareness is best,” said Albert Ching, CEO of Singapore Cancer Society.

A free public forum which will take place on June 8, from 10am – 12p, at Singapore Polytechinc Convention Hall (English session and Mandarin session).

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