THEY
both originate in the female reproductive system, but cervical
and ovarian cancers are worlds apart when it comes to prevention.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,
thanks primarily to screening, but there is currently no
means of preventing or screening for ovarian cancer —
the leading cause of death from gynaecological cancers.
Detection
As mentioned in previous articles, early detection is a
vital tool in the fight against cancer.
In the past 20 years the rate of cervical cancer, and the
number of women who die from it, has dropped by about a
third. And it’s cervical screening using the Pap Test
that has made the difference, according to the Cancer Council
NSW. Pap tests pick up early warning signs that can be treated
before cancer develops.
Despite much research throughout the world, there is still
no way to detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. There
are no accepted methods for population screening, and early
symptoms are vague.
Spotlight on Cervical Cancer
Australia has the lowest cervical cancer mortality rate
in the world, which reflects the success of the national
cervical screening program.
The disease made headlines this year when the Therapeutic
Goods Administration (TGA) approved Australia’s first
cervical cancer vaccine. Recommended for girls before they
become sexually active, the vaccine protects against specific
strains of Human Papilloma Virus (PV) that cause around
70 per cent of cervical cancers.
However the vaccine is not a substitute for the Pap Test
and all women who have ever had sex, and/or women aged between
18 and 69, should continue regular two-year screening.
Symptoms
Early changes in the cells of the cervix (epithelial abnormalities)
rarely cause symptoms.
If early cell changes develop into cervical cancer, the
most common signs include:
vaginal bleeding between periods,
menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual,
bleeding after intercourse,
pain during intercourse,
unusual vaginal discharge,
vaginal bleeding after menopause,
excessive tiredness,
leg pain or swelling,
lower back pain.
All these symptoms are common to many conditions and may
not mean cervical cancer. However, women are encouraged
to consult their doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
Focus on Ovarian Cancer
Each year more than 1200 women are diagnosed with ovarian
cancer and more than 800 women die of this.
Risk factors
Age — ovarian cancer is most common in women aged
over 45,
Family history — around 5-10 per cent of cases of
ovarian cancer are caused by inheriting a damaged gene,
Not having children — ovarian cancer is more common
in women who have not had children,
Other factors that may cause ovarian cancer are unclear.
Can the risk be reduced?
There is limited information on what women can do to reduce
their likelihood of developing this disease.
However, it is known that:
using the oral contraceptive pill for five years reduces
the risk of ovarian cancer by 50 per cent,
tubal ligation and hysterectomy reduces the risk of ovarian
cancer by between 30 and 40 per cent.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer,
but may also be present in other common, more benign illnesses,
are:
abdominal bloating/feeling full,
appetite loss,
unexplained weight gain,
constipation,
heartburn,
back pain,
urinary frequency,
abdominal/pelvic pain,
fatigue.
