Ovarian cancer continues to be a stealthy killer in Australia since almost of the cases that are diagnosed are sadly in the advanced stages. Reports reveal that less than half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive the illness beyond five years. Only about 42% of patients survive when compared to the 87% of patients with breast cancer, revealed a Federal government report. The survival rate is low for ovarian cancer cases as this form of cancer has fewer symptoms and has no suitable screening tests that can lead to an early diagnosis.
The most recent reports released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Breast Cancer Center in Australia, show that survival rates of women with ovarian cancer has improved visibly by almost 8% in the last decade.Dr Helen Zorbas, the director of National Breast Cancer Center said that it would take a few more years before a suitable screening test for ovarian cancer is made available to the public. Owing to the vague symptoms that this cancer presents with, it is often overlooked and an early diagnosis is often missed. She has exhorted women to take note of any unusual symptoms related to their bowel habits or urinary habits and to report to their GP in such instances immediately.
Generally it has been noted that ovarian cancer affects women over the age of 60.The out come of the disease seems to be more favorable for younger patients. The incidence of the cancer in Australia is significantly lesser than other countries like New Zealand, UK, US and Canada.
Source-Medindia
MST
