IT took visits to three different doctors for Soula Panagiotou to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The Malvern East woman said in 2005 she started feeling bloated, tired and had heartburn, and knew something wasn’t quite right.

But two doctors dismissed the symptoms as inconsequential.

Only during Ms Panagiotou’s third medical appointment was a large tumour on her ovaries detected.

“I was absolutely horrified,” she said.

Her mother, then 59, had been diagnosed with the aggressive cancer in 1991 but miraculously went into remission after just two chemotherapy treatments.

Ms Panagiotou, 44, had surgery to remove the tumour and, coincidentally, also had two chemotherapy treatments before the cancer was downgraded.

“People are always surprised that two people from the same family could survive such a highly aggressive disease,” she said. “Because of that I decided to write down some of the things I did after I was diagnosed.”

The result is the self-published book, The Detox answer, which gives guidance on how to rid the body of toxins following a serious illness or addiction.

Ms Panagiotou also stays in regular contact with the National Ovarian Cancer Network, based in Malvern East.

She said the symptoms of ovarian cancer could be vague and it was important for women to be aware of their bodies and what was normal for them.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Inquiries: 1300 660 334, or read more at thedetoxanswer.com