Understanding the “Silent Killer” That Affects Canadian Seniors
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- Ovarian cancer primarily affects older women
- Symptoms are often vague but concerning when persistent, frequent, and new
- Early detection significantly improves survival rates
- Don’t dismiss symptoms as normal aging
Read Time: 4 minutes
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — a time when communities across Canada unite to raise awareness about this serious disease that affects thousands of Canadian women each year.
The Reality in Canada
Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern in Canada, with approximately 3,000 women expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2025, and less than half of them are expected to live more than 5 years. In Canada, the 5-year net survival rate for ovarian cancer is 44% (Canadian Cancer Society).
This cancer mainly develops in older women, making awareness particularly crucial for senior caregivers and healthcare providers.
Why Ovarian Cancer is Called the “Silent Killer”
Ovarian cancer can be deadly because it’s so stealthy. The warning signs are vague. There’s no screening test for women without symptoms like a mammogram for breast cancer. Ovarian cancer is sometimes called a “silent disease” because it often causes vague symptoms in its early stages.
The challenge is that ovarian cancer has room to grow in the abdomen before causing noticeable problems, and symptoms can easily be mistaken for common digestive or urinary issues.
The Four Key Warning Signs
The main symptoms of ovarian cancer include: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance).
Watch for These Symptoms:
1. Persistent Bloating
Persistent bloating, the kind that makes your clothes feel tighter or gives you a hard, swollen stomach, can be a warning sign. If your tummy feels consistently bloated or swollen for three weeks or more, it’s time to speak to your GP (Ovarian Cancer Action UK).
2. Abdominal and Pelvic Pain
The pain associated with ovarian cancer is persistent and frequent, meaning it doesn’t come and go, and you experience it regularly (at least 12 times in a month) (Ovarian Cancer Action UK).
3. Changes in Eating Habits
Are you finding that you can’t eat as much as usual, or that you feel full soon after starting a meal? This can be a sign that something is pressing on your stomach (Ovarian Cancer Action UK).
4. Urinary Changes
A change in your urinary habits, like needing to go more frequently during the day or night, or feeling a sudden urge to go, can be an early sign of ovarian cancer (Ovarian Cancer Action UK).
When to Seek Medical Attention
If any symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you may want to visit your doctor. Keep a record of your symptoms to take with you to your appointment.
The Importance of Early Detection
Doctors find just 20% of ovarian cancers in the early stages. However, when doctors do detect it early, 94% of people go on to live for at least the next 5 years (American Cancer Society).
For more information about Ovarian cancer, go to https://ovariancanada.org/
Part 2 will cover risk factors, diagnosis, and practical guidance for caregivers.
Canadian Resources:
- Ovarian Cancer Canada: ovariancanada.org
- Canadian Cancer Society: 1-888-939-3333 or cancer.ca
This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.