Launch of Ovarian Cancer in Australia, an Overview 2010 – Teal Ribbon Day –
A new report issued on 24 February finds ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death for Australian women and the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death.
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Previous MinistersJoint Release
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP
Minister for Health and Ageing
The Hon Justine Elliot MP
Minister for Ageing
24 February 2010Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death for Australian women and the most common cause of gynaecological cancer death, according to the report Ovarian Cancer in Australia: An Overview 2010 released today.
Today is also Teal Ribbon Day. Teal Ribbon Day is held every year in February – Australia’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout Australia this month, ribbons will be available for purchase for $2 with proceeds going to Ovarian Cancer Australia, an Australian consumer network that supports women with ovarian cancer and their families.
Ovarian Cancer in Australia, An Overview 2010, prepared jointly by the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, provides a comprehensive picture of ovarian cancer in Australia. It will be a useful resource for medical experts and the Government.
The report shows that between 1982 and 2006, the number of ovarian cancer cases increased by 47 per cent– from 833 cases to 1226 cases – and it is anticipated that the number of new cases will continue to increase due to an ageing population, with more than 1400 women expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015.
However, ovarian cancer deaths decreased by 22 per cent between 1982 and 2006 to 795 deaths. The 2006 mortality rate was the lowest rate observed for any year to date.
This month, the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre has been conducting an ovarian cancer public information campaign, Nobody knows your body like you do. It has also just launched its Familial risk assessment on-line tool, which will assist health professionals in consultations with women to assess their risk for breast and ovarian cancer based on family history, and to provide relevant management advice.
While symptoms of ovarian cancer can be part of everyday life – abdominal bloating, abdominal or back pain, appetite loss or feeling full quickly, changes in toilet habits, unexplained weight loss or gain, indigestion or heartburn and fatigue – it is important to see your doctor if these symptoms are unusual for you and they persist.
The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre works in partnership with health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers, governments and those diagnosed to improve outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.
The Australian Government is committed to fighting ovarian cancer, providing funding of $13.3 million over four years to the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre.
The Commonwealth, through the NHMRC, has also invested more than $66 million since 2000 for gynaecological cancer research.
There is still much more to be done - and the Rudd Government will continue to support ovarian cancer research and innovation.
For all media inquiries, please contact the Minister's Office on 02 6277 7220.
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