Tomorrow will mark the first day of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Unlike other women cancers, ovarian cancer is difficult to detect because the symptoms mimic digestive and bladder problems.

Symptoms include: stomach and back pains, fatigue, bloating, cramps and changes in bowel habits. Women should be tested as early as possible for ovarian cancer. If the above symptoms persist after more than two weeks, doctors suggest that women seek medical help in order for them to do a proper examination such as a blood test or an ultrasound. Early detection means a survival rate of more than 90%.

In Canada, ovarian cancer affects 2,400 women a year and kills more than 1,000. Sadly, since the disease is so hard to detect, most of the time victims do not detect it until the later stages.

Laura Zawadiuk, a survivor of ovarian cancer, is hosting the 4th annual Turn Up the Volume awareness evening at Georgian College on June 18. She is hoping to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and encourage women to get tested if they experience any of the symptoms. Zawadiuk emphasizes that it is important to know your body and states: “Listen to your body and save your life”.