According to a latest survey half of Australian women are under the impression that ovarian cancer can be detected by pap smear test. The National Breast Cancer Centre felt that this wrong notion is more dangerous to the lives of many women.
The survey was conducted among 610 women, out of which 305 thought that pap smear could detect ovarian cancer. Dr Helen Zorbas from the National Breast Cancer Centre said that pap smear is not the test for all gynecological cancers. It is a detection tool only for cervical cancer.The signs of ovarian cancer include bloating of stomach, pain in the pelvic region, fatigue, an abnormal bowel or bladder changes, a puzzling weight change. According to Dr.Zorbas women should look for these symptoms and approach the GP as and when necessary. This survey also emphasized the need for education and awareness programmes on ovarian cancers.
Source-Medindia
JYT
