Ovarian cancer is a significant challenge in women’s health due to its high mortality rate among gynecologic cancers. Raising public consciousness about this disease is important for improving outcomes. Awareness efforts focus on educating individuals about risk factors, subtle signs, and barriers to early diagnosis, while also driving research funding and support for those affected.
Identifying Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
The United States and several other countries dedicate September to Ovarian Cancer Awareness. This annual observance provides a focused period for education, advocacy, and fundraising. The symbolic color associated with this cause is teal, representing strength and hope for patients and survivors. Wearing a teal ribbon or clothing helps spark conversations and increases the visibility of the disease.
Understanding the Disease: Key Facts
Ovarian cancer begins as an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, typically starting in the ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, with an overall five-year survival rate of approximately 49%. The lifetime risk for a woman in the general population to develop this cancer is approximately 1 in 78.
The risk increases with age, with half of all cases found in women 63 years or older. Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase a woman’s susceptibility to the disease. For instance, women with a BRCA1 mutation face a lifetime risk of up to 70%. Other factors include a family history of ovarian cancer, never having been pregnant, or starting menstruation at a young age.
Recognizing Symptoms and Early Detection Barriers
Ovarian cancer is frequently detected at an advanced stage because its early signs are often vague and mimic common, less serious conditions. Symptoms tend to be non-specific, leading to the nickname “silent killer.” These physical changes are concerning when they occur almost daily for several weeks and represent a clear change from a woman’s normal state.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent abdominal bloating.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Increased sense of urgency or frequency when urinating.
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation.
- Unexplained weight loss or gain, back pain, and constant fatigue.
A major challenge in early diagnosis is the absence of an effective, routine screening test for the general population. Standard methods like the CA-125 blood test or transvaginal ultrasound are not recommended for routine screening because they have not been shown to reliably detect the cancer at an early stage. The ovaries’ location deep within the pelvis contributes to the vagueness of symptoms, making them easily dismissed as digestive or urinary issues.
This difficulty in early detection means only about 20% of cases are diagnosed when the disease is localized, which is when the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. When the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the survival rate drops significantly. Educating the public about the persistence and combination of these symptoms remains the most important strategy for earlier diagnosis.
Actions During Awareness Month
Awareness month is an opportunity to engage in proactive steps to combat the disease. A primary action is to have an open conversation with family members to document any history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer. This information is important for assessing personal risk and determining if genetic counseling for mutations like BRCA1 or Lynch syndrome is warranted.
Individuals can also support the cause by participating in local community events, such as awareness walks, educational seminars, or fundraising initiatives. Many organizations host events like “Together in TEAL” runs/walks to honor survivors and raise visibility. Financial contributions to research organizations help fund studies aimed at developing better treatments and effective early detection tools.
Another proactive step is to schedule an annual check-up with a healthcare provider to discuss any persistent symptoms or risk factors. Advocacy efforts, such as contacting local legislators, push for greater research funding and policies that support patient access to clinical trials. Using social media to share factual information about symptoms and risk factors helps amplify the life-saving message to a wider audience.