Recognising the Signs: World Ovarian Cancer Day and Menopausal Health

World Ovarian Cancer Day, observed annually on May 8th, represents a critical global initiative bringing together ovarian cancer organisations worldwide to raise awareness about this often-overlooked disease. Established in 2013 by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC), this day has become the cornerstone of international efforts to improve early detection, treatment outcomes, and quality of life for women affected by ovarian cancer. With ovarian cancer affecting hundreds of thousands of women globally each year, and with particular significance for women going through menopause, understanding this disease and its relationship to hormonal changes has never been more important.

Important Statistics About Ovarian Cancer

• Projections indicate nearly 12 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer by 2050

• In Australia, approximately 2,822 women will be diagnosed each year by 2050, representing a 58% increase

• The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer in Australia stands at just 49%, with a recurrence rate of up to 70% within three years

• Approximately 70% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live in low- or middle-income countries

• The incidence is projected to rise by nearly 40% globally by 2040, with low-resource countries bearing the greatest burden

These statistics underscore why awareness initiatives are so crucial, particularly since ovarian cancer often presents with vague symptoms and has no reliable screening test for early detection.

The Connection Between Ovarian Cancer and Menopause

The relationship between ovarian cancer and menopause is multifaceted and particularly significant for women navigating midlife hormonal changes.

Menopausal Status as a Risk Factor

• The risk of developing ovarian cancer increases significantly with age, with most cases diagnosed after menopause

• Late menopause (after age 52) may increase risk due to extended hormone exposure and more ovulatory cycles

• Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and early postmenopause can influence cellular changes in the ovaries

Similar Symptom Profiles Creating Diagnostic Challenges

One of the most concerning aspects of ovarian cancer is that its symptoms often mirror common menopausal complaints:

• Abdominal bloating and discomfort

• Changes in bowel habits

• Unexplained fatigue

• Pelvic pressure

• Urinary frequency

For women experiencing menopause, these symptoms might be dismissed as hormonal changes rather than indicators of a more serious condition, potentially delaying diagnosis.

Treatment Impact on Menopausal Status

For premenopausal women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, treatments often induce premature menopause:

• Surgical interventions, particularly bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries), cause immediate surgical menopause

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage ovarian function, leading to premature menopause

• These treatment-induced transitions are often more abrupt and severe than natural menopause

Hormone Therapy Considerations

The intersection of ovarian cancer and menopause presents complex decisions regarding menopause hormone therapy (MHT):

• For women experiencing treatment-induced menopause, managing sudden symptoms becomes a quality-of-life concern

• Research suggests that for women already diagnosed with certain types of ovarian cancer, MHT may not increase recurrence risk and might improve survival outcomes

• Decisions about MHT must be individualised, considering cancer type, stage, risk factors, and symptom severity

Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies

While ovarian cancer cannot always be prevented, certain approaches may help reduce risk:

Lifestyle Factors

• Maintaining healthy weight, particularly after menopause

• Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes weekly)

• Following a Mediterranean-style diet

• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption

Reproductive and Medical Factors

• Use of oral contraceptives for several years

• Having children before age 35

• Breastfeeding

• Tubal ligation or removal

• Risk-reducing surgeries for high-risk women

When to Seek Medical Attention

Women approaching or past menopause should seek medical care for:

• Persistent abdominal bloating or increased abdominal size

• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating

• Pelvic or abdominal pain

• Changes in bowel habits or urinary patterns

• Any post-menopausal vaginal bleeding

Early medical evaluation improves the chances of detecting ovarian cancer at more treatable stages.

The Socio-Economic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in Australia

Recent research led by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, in collaboration with Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA), has revealed that ovarian cancer costs Australia approximately A$3.8 billion annually, affecting families, communities, and the healthcare system.

Nursing and psycho-social support programs like OCA’s Teal Support Program provide essential care that can alleviate this burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. The study addresses long-standing gaps in data concerning the socio-economic impact of ovarian cancer, examining healthcare costs of diagnosis and treatment as well as wider societal and economic costs.

Conclusion

World Ovarian Cancer Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, research, and support around ovarian cancer, particularly as it relates to women’s menopausal health. Progress has been made, but the work is far from done.

On this World Ovarian Cancer Day, we acknowledge every person and family impacted by ovarian cancer. The collective voices of patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates form a powerful force to drive change, ensuring support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.

How Emsee Can Help

Concerned about your ovarian health during menopause and want some personalised advice?

Book a free first consultation with one of our experienced doctors, naturopaths or nutritionists today by calling 1300 415 414 or fill out our online contact form.

Alternatively, answer a few questions about your health and lifestyle to get a free assessment report on your situation and discover if Emsee is the perfect match for you.

References

1. World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. (2023). “What is World Ovarian Cancer Day?” World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

2. Cancer Australia. (2024). “Ovarian cancer statistics in Australia.” Cancer Australia.

3. Yi, Z., et al. (2021). “The global burden and associated factors of ovarian cancer in 1990–2019: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.” BMC Public Health, 22(1), 1341.

4. Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovarian Cancer. (2015). “Menopausal hormone use and ovarian cancer risk: individual participant meta-analysis of 52 epidemiological studies.” The Lancet, 385(9980), 1835-1842.

5. World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. (2024). “The Socio-Economic Burden of Ovarian Cancer Study.” World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

6. Ovarian Cancer Australia. (2025). “World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025.” Ovarian Cancer Australia.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any specific symptoms or issues you might be experiencing.