The North Sunshine resident, 62, who works as an administration manager at Coles in Caroline Springs, was attending a training session at the Coles national office in Tooronga when she realised the pain she had felt in her stomach was not just a bladder infection.

"I had been to the doctor who told me the pain I was experiencing was a bladder infection, but when I saw the sign I recognised most of the symptoms of ovarian cancer," she says.

"By that stage the pain had gone away, so if I hadn't gone back to my doctor the cancer could have spread without my knowing."

Mrs Pickering was diagnosed with the disease on September 29, 2010, and began chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment soon after.

After undergoing her last lot of chemotherapy on April 28 last year, she's now in remission.

As part of the current Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Mrs Pickering is helping Ovarian Cancer Australia raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease.

"Many people know about breast cancer but they don't know the symptoms of ovarian cancer," she says.

According to Ovarian Cancer Australia, more than 1200 Australian women will be diagnosed with the disease this year. About 800 will die.

Chairwoman Paula Benson says it is important women know their own bodies and stay vigilant.

"The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be confused with other conditions, but if women experience symptoms persistently for two weeks or more they should consult a doctor."

The most common symptoms are abdominal or pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, frequent urination and feeling full quickly.

Other signs can include back pain, changes in bladder or bowel habits, heavy fatigue, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, and vaginal bleeding.

Residents are being encouraged to help raise awareness by hosting an afternoon tea as part of Ovarian Cancer Australia's major annual fund-raiser, Afternoon Teal.

More details: ovariancancer.net.au