Danelle Scalia never imagined that she would be fighting for her life against ovarian cancer at the age of just 41.
But her family's history of breast cancer always meant that the odds of her one day suffering ovarian cancer were always dangerously high.
Her grandmother, Josephine, was just 48 when she died of breast cancer and her mother, Joanne, and all three of her aunts have fought breast cancer.
The women all have the BRCA 1 gene mutation, which Ms Scalia has also inherited.
Now the Logan mum-of-two is urging other women to know their family history of breast cancer – and the risk of ovarian cancer they may also face.
"I have always been aware of breast cancer and checked myself regularly and had mammograms, but ovarian cancer never crossed my mind," Ms Scalia said.
"I did consider having genetic testing when I was in my 20s and now I think about what I would have done if I had been more aware of my whole cancer risk.
"I think I would have made different decisions if I had had genetic testing and more knowledge.
"I probably would have had my ovaries removed after my second son was born. If I could go back and change anything, it would have been to take that precaution."
This month (February) is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and cancer specialists at Mater are warning women to be aware of the links between ovarian and breast cancers.
Women who have the breast cancer (BRCA) 1 and 2 mutations have a 45-85% chance of developing breast cancer, as well as a 10-46% chance of developing ovarian cancer.
Around five per cent of the 20,000 Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer each year have a BRCA gene mutation. Men with a BRCA gene mutation face an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Ms Scalia went to a GP in September after suffering irregular periods, but her initial blood and pap smear tests came back clear.
She demanded an ultrasound scan and further investigation because she "knew something was wrong" and was eventually referred to Mater Hospital Brisbane – one of Queensland's leading centres for the gynaecological cancer treatment and research.
Mater specialists diagnosed Ms Scalia with stage 3 ovarian cancer, which had spread to her spleen and diaphragm.
On November 12 she underwent a full hysterectomy and removal of her ovaries, spleen and appendix. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Mater Cancer Care Centre in South Brisbane.
Dr Catherine Shannon, senior medical oncologist at Mater Cancer Care Centre, said most women only become aware of their genetic risk when they are tested after they or a family member receive a cancer diagnosis.
"Mater orders genetic testing for all ovarian cancer patients because if there is a genetic link you become eligible for certain treatments, such as PARP inhibitors which specifically target BRCA 1 and 2 cancers," she said.
"Women whose family members test positive for BRCA 1 or 2 should also consider being tested themselves.
"Depending on the results, they may wish to consider risk reduction surgery. Around 50 to 60 women a year at Mater choose to have their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in pre-emptive surgery."
Dr Shannon urged women to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer – including bloating, pelvic pain and abdominal distention.
"If women experience these symptoms persistently it is important to see a doctor and have them investigated," she added.
Ovarian Cancer Factfile
- Around 1,300 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
- Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological cancer, with a five-year survival rate of 49%.
- Mater is the leading treatment and research centre for ovarian cancer in Queensland, treating around 130 of the 285 women who are diagnosed with the disease each year.
- Ovarian cancer is commonly diagnosed over the age of 50 but can occur at any age.
- There is no available screening test for ovarian cancer, which means most cases are advanced when they are detected.
