Ovarian cancer battler Sharon is spreading a life-saving message

The 50-year-old mother of two, found out she had ovarian cancer last year after coming home from an overseas holiday, now she's facing her cancer battle with courage, humour and a desire to educate as many women as possible about the nature of this devastating illness.

"When I got home I just didn't feel right. At first I thought it was just jet lag but I was so bloated my husband said I looked pregnant.

"I went to my doctor and said 'I don't feel right in the guts'."

Blood tests and a CT scan showed she had cancer and in September she started three rounds of chemotherapy and later had a hysterectomy.

Ovarian cancer is Australia's deadliest female cancer with one in two women not surviving beyond five years.

Sadly many women who are eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer have delayed getting investigated because they put their often 'vague' symptoms down to - just being a woman - abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, needing to pee more often, lower back pain or excessive fatigue (for a full list of possible symptoms visit Ovarian Cancer Australia).

When Sharon found out she had ovarian cancer, she was shocked. "At first, I was like, why? Why me? How did this happen? I didn't know much about ovarian cancer, but I quickly learned that it doesn't discriminate."

Sharon is grateful for the support provided by her Teal Support Program nurse Di, from not-for-profit Ovarian Cancer Australia; and for the treatment she has been given at the world-class Peter Mack (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre).

"Di gives me an understanding of what is going on and breaks it down a little bit. More than anything, it's the fact that she just gets it, and I can tell her anything."

"I'm a very positive person. I try and walk every day and try and keep a smile on my face and I hope by sharing my story I can make other people more aware," said Sharon.

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Sharon now faces a recurrence, which is common for women diagnosed with this disease, as 70 per cent of those diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will have a recurrence within three years. She is undergoing another round of treatment and has had to experience many of the emotions all over again, highlighting the importance of ongoing support.

"No matter who you are or where you live, if you or a loved one are affected by ovarian cancer, we're here for you - from free specialist telehealth support provided by our ovarian cancer nurses, through to information and support resources, we are here to ensure you don't walk alone," said Ovarian Cancer Australia's Acting Chief, Support and Advocacy, Bridget Bradhurst.

"As a national organisation, we recognise that disparities in care can exist across regional and remote areas, so our services have been crafted to bridge this gap and work toward better outcomes for all Australians impacted by ovarian cancer."

There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer so being aware of your own body and seeing a doctor if you have any concerns is important.

"If you are not feeling well, go to the doctor and get checked," said Sharon. "Since my diagnosis I've had quite a few friends go to their doctors for a check."

You can find out more about ovarian cancer at ovariancancer.net.au

Donate to Ovarian Cancer Australia at sharons-story.ovariancancer.net.au

*Sharon asked that only her first name be used.