Wednesday, February 27, 2013 3:40:12 AM
Ovarian cancer test is closer: researchers
AAP February 27, 2013, 3:16 pm
AAP
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Researchers are making significant progress towards a blood test for the early detection of ovarian cancer.
It's hoped the test will enable doctors to screen women in high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of cancer.
The team at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, led by Dr Goli Samimi, has identified specific biological changes that occur in the DNA of sufferers.
"Early detection is key to improving survival," Dr Samimi told AAP on Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day on Wednesday.
"The symptoms are extremely general. Bloating, change in appetite, fatigue - symptoms women deal with all the time."
Other symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size and needing to urinate often or urgently.
Ovarian Cancer Australia has urged women see a doctor if symptoms persist for two weeks or more.
Dr Samimi said the cancer was "extremely difficult to treat" once it had spread.
An average of the 1200 Australians are diagnosed with the cancer each year.
Treatment includes a full hysterectomy and chemotherapy but only 20 per cent of patients survive for five years after diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer survivor and advocate Margaret Rose, who chairs the Garvan Institute ovarian cancer research fund, said the benefits of an early detection test would be "enormous".
She said the present CA125 blood test was inconclusive and only an operation could ascertain the presence of the cancer.
Research by Ovarian Cancer Australia shows three out of five women incorrectly believe the cancer is detected by a pap smear.
"Furthermore, 51 per cent of women are under the (incorrect) perception that the cervical cancer vaccine also protects against ovarian cancer."
The organisation is raising funds on Ovarian Cancer Day by urging people to buy teal ribbons from Chemmart Pharmacies, Harvey Norman and My Size stores nationwide and Contours Gyms and Brazilian Butterfly salons in the eastern states, or from the Ovarian Cancer Australia website www.ovariancancer.net.au
"This Teal Ribbon Day we are urging women of all ages to become aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer," said CEO Alison Amos.
You can find more information about ovarian cancer at;
Ovarian cancer Australia - http://www.ovariancancer.net.au/
Cancer Australia: What causes ovarian cancer -
http://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/ovarian-cancer/
Cancer Australia quiz: What do you know?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omoo2yeCcgw&feature=youtu.be [embed added]
The Garvan Institute - http://www.garvan.org.au/
http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/latest/a/-/newshome/16254977/ovarian-cancer-test-is-closer-researchers/
AAP February 27, 2013, 3:16 pm
AAP
Related Links
: Cancer group loses gene patent challenge
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/16151099/cancer-group-loses-gene-patent-challenge/
: Cancer survivor pregnant in Aussie first
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/16108825/cancer-survivor-pregnant-in-aussie-first/
Researchers are making significant progress towards a blood test for the early detection of ovarian cancer.
It's hoped the test will enable doctors to screen women in high-risk groups, such as those with a family history of cancer.
The team at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, led by Dr Goli Samimi, has identified specific biological changes that occur in the DNA of sufferers.
"Early detection is key to improving survival," Dr Samimi told AAP on Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day on Wednesday.
"The symptoms are extremely general. Bloating, change in appetite, fatigue - symptoms women deal with all the time."
Other symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size and needing to urinate often or urgently.
Ovarian Cancer Australia has urged women see a doctor if symptoms persist for two weeks or more.
Dr Samimi said the cancer was "extremely difficult to treat" once it had spread.
An average of the 1200 Australians are diagnosed with the cancer each year.
Treatment includes a full hysterectomy and chemotherapy but only 20 per cent of patients survive for five years after diagnosis.
Ovarian cancer survivor and advocate Margaret Rose, who chairs the Garvan Institute ovarian cancer research fund, said the benefits of an early detection test would be "enormous".
She said the present CA125 blood test was inconclusive and only an operation could ascertain the presence of the cancer.
Research by Ovarian Cancer Australia shows three out of five women incorrectly believe the cancer is detected by a pap smear.
"Furthermore, 51 per cent of women are under the (incorrect) perception that the cervical cancer vaccine also protects against ovarian cancer."
The organisation is raising funds on Ovarian Cancer Day by urging people to buy teal ribbons from Chemmart Pharmacies, Harvey Norman and My Size stores nationwide and Contours Gyms and Brazilian Butterfly salons in the eastern states, or from the Ovarian Cancer Australia website www.ovariancancer.net.au
"This Teal Ribbon Day we are urging women of all ages to become aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer," said CEO Alison Amos.
You can find more information about ovarian cancer at;
Ovarian cancer Australia - http://www.ovariancancer.net.au/
Cancer Australia: What causes ovarian cancer -
http://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/cancer-types/gynaecological-cancers/ovarian-cancer/
Cancer Australia quiz: What do you know?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omoo2yeCcgw&feature=youtu.be [embed added]
The Garvan Institute - http://www.garvan.org.au/
http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/latest/a/-/newshome/16254977/ovarian-cancer-test-is-closer-researchers/
It was Plato who said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing”
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