In 2003, the director of Ovarian Cancer Australia was diagnosed with the so-called "silent killer".

It turns out the cancer wasn't silent - she just couldn't hear.

The disease will kill more than 850 Australian women this year - that's one woman every 11 hours.

"In retrospect I had all the symptoms," Ms Benson said.

"Ovarian cancer has often been referred to as a silent killer, but we now know that it is not silent.

"Scientific evidence has shown that many women do experience symptoms that, if acted on, could result in an earlier diagnosis and a better chance of beating the disease.

"It's very important for women to know that a pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer."

The four most common symptoms are pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size or persistent bloating, increased urinary frequency, and difficulty eating and/or feeling full quickly.

Ms Benson said she was fortunate because her GP immediately referred her to a gynaecological oncologist.

She had a cyst "the size of a small watermelon" removed.

That was when the surgeon discovered a cancerous tumour.

At 34, she underwent a radical hysterectomy.

"I hadn't had children, so it was pretty devastating to have had a radical hysterectomy.

"I also know I was lucky that they caught it and I'm still here.

"I do have a child now; a friend of mine carried her for me."

On Valentine's Day, Ms Benson held an afternoon tea for ovarian cancer and raised $3000 with the help of local traders.

To learn the risks, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer or to make a tax deductible donation, visit Ovarian Cancer Australia here.