Alarming ignorance about ovarian cancer

Australians are alarmingly ignorant about ovarian cancer, with almost 50 per cent of women thinking it is diagnosed with a Pap smear, according to a survey.

There is no test for the killer disease, but there are tell-tale symptoms, says Ovarian Cancer Australia.

These are abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size or persistent bloating, the need to urinate often or urgently and feeling full after eating a small amount.

Women should see a GP if these persist for four weeks, according to the organisation.

The results of the study have been released ahead of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in February.

They show nearly a third of women incorrectly believe the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine prevents the disease.

More than 25 per cent of women and 40 per cent of men believe that most people survive the cancer. However, of the four Australians diagnosed a day, three die.

The organisation's CEO Alison Amos is alarmed by the lack of knowledge.

"I urge all women to learn and share the symptoms of ovarian cancer and take action if affected," she said.

She urged people to support teal ribbon day on February 24 to help fund research and raise awareness of the symptoms, risks and impact of ovarian cancer.