Early Detection Australia

Ovarian Cancer

Are you at risk of Ovarian Cancer?

Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers can access evidence-based risk assessment through an early detection service, where a doctor will discuss your risk factors with you.8,9

  • Simple accessible service
  • Doctor consultation
  • Australia-wide
Know your risksTake the next step

~90%

5-year survival when ovarian cancer is caught at Stage I1

Cancer Australia

Know your risks

What are your risks?

Genetic risk
Some people inherit changes in certain genes that can increase their chance of developing ovarian cancer. This includes gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, as well as inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome. If you have been told you carry one of these gene changes, or there is a known inherited cancer condition in your family, discussing it with your doctor can help determine whether you may benefit from further assessment.
Family history of cancers
Having close family members with ovarian, breast, bowel, uterine, or related cancers can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, especially if several relatives were diagnosed or if they developed cancer at a younger age. If this applies to you, discussing it with your doctor can help determine whether you may benefit from further assessment.

5-year survival by stage at diagnosis1,2

Timing changes everything

Stage 1 — early detection

~90%

5-year survival

Stage III–IV — late diagnosis

<30%

5-year survival

~70% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage.2 Survival rates are based on published population data and vary by individual.

Why it matters

Most ovarian cancers are caught too late.2,3

Earlier-stage diagnosis is associated with significantly better survival outcomes. Early detection allows for additional review, assessment, and more treatment options to be considered.3

Symptoms overlap with other conditions5
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect early because symptoms are often vague or shared with common illnesses.
Limitations of CA-1256
The CA-125 blood test has known limitations, particularly during the early stages of ovarian cancer. Diagnosis can only be confirmed via biopsy.

70%

of ovarian cancers are diagnosed at Stage III or IV.2

Know your risk

Who is at higher risk of ovarian cancer?7,8

You may be at increased risk if you have a family history of ovarian, breast, or related cancers, or a known gene mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome.7,8 A doctor review can help you understand your personal risk and whether testing may be appropriate.

No routine screening
There is no routine national screening program for ovarian cancer.7 For people at elevated risk, proactive assessment may be an important option to explore.

Take the next step

Know your risk. Act on it.

Ovarian cancer rarely causes obvious early symptoms.5 If you’re at higher risk, earlier assessment gives you more options.

Ready to proceed

Consult with a doctor

Consult with a doctor and see if Early Detection services are right for you. Understand your risk factors.

telehealth or with your own gp

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References

  1. 1.Cancer Australia. Testing for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women — background. canceraustralia.gov.au
  2. 2.Cancer Council Australia. Ovarian cancer — staging and prognosis. cancercouncil.com.au
  3. 3.Cancer Council Australia. Understanding ovarian cancer. cancer.org.au
  4. 4.ClearNote Health, data on file.
  5. 5.The Royal Women’s Hospital. Ovarian cancer — symptoms and risk factors. thewomens.org.au
  6. 6.Cancer Council Australia. Ovarian cancer — tests and diagnosis. cancercouncil.com.au
  7. 7.Cancer Australia. Lynch syndrome and ovarian cancer risk. canceraustralia.gov.au
  8. 8.Ovarian Cancer Australia. Genetics and ovarian cancer. ovariancancer.net.au
  9. 9.Cancer Australia. Testing for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women. canceraustralia.gov.au

Ready to take the next step?

Speak with a registered Australian doctor about your risk.

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