The Blog

Ovarian Cancer

About ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is Australia’s most lethal female cancer, with 45.7% of women losing their battle within five years1. There is no early effective screening test and symptoms are often vague, meaning diagnosis often occurs once the disease is already advanced. Ovarian cancer is linked with high rates of recurrence and typically involves aggressive treatment regimes.

What is the role of exercise for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

Regular exercise plays a role in preventing other chronic diseases and reducing the severity of treatment-related side effects such as fatigue and pain. A lack of exercise after an ovarian cancer diagnosis reduces overall quality of life, decreases physical fitness and can result in poorer outcomes following surgery and treatment2. Alarmingly research shows that despite these benefits of regular exercise, the majority of women remain or become physically inactive following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer3.

How can I safely start exercise after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer?

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and are unsure how to start or maintain regular exercise, book in to see our exercise physiologist Kit who has recently completed a research degree exploring ovarian cancer and physical activity. Kit has a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges an ovarian cancer diagnosis can bring and will work with you to ensure a safe return to activities you love.

References:

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2019. Cancer in Australia. www.aihw. gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-in-australia-2019. (Accessed April 12, 2020).
  2. Wenzel LB, Donnelly JP, Fowler JM, et al. Resilience, reflection, and residual stress in ovarian cancer survivorship: a gynecologic oncology group study. Psychooncology. 2002;11:142–153.
  3. Jones TL, Sandler CX, Spence RR, Hayes SC. Physical activity and exercise in women with ovarian cancer: A systematic review. Gynecologic Oncology. 2020 Jun 30.