Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
11 February 2025
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. This year, more than 600 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer across NSW.
The Gynaecological Cancer Centre at the Royal Hospital for Women is a comprehensive cancer centre with world class medical oncologists, surgeons, specialist nurses, and a dedicated social worker, psychologist and administration team.
The multidisciplinary team supports women through every aspect of an ovarian cancer diagnosis, from coordinating medical and surgical appointments, scans and blood tests, to caring for women before and after surgery, and providing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.
Cath David is one of the dedicated Clinical Nurse Consultants providing specialist care at the centre. Cath explains that care often extends beyond clinical aspects.
“A cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming time for patients and their loved ones. We provide emotional support to help women navigate the complexities of their ovarian cancer journey,” said Cath.
“As a clinical trials centre, we also collaborate with research partners to help find new and better ways to detect and treat ovarian cancer.”
Ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect early, so it helps to know what to look out for. Common symptoms include:
- abdominal bloating and pressure
- discomfort or pain in the abdomen
- feeling full after eating a small amount
- changes in bladder habits such as having to pass urine more often or needing to go urgently.
If you have symptoms that you are worried about, speak with your GP.
