Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Shedding Light on the Silent Killer

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is observed each September to educate people about ovarian cancer, support survivors, and drive funding for research. Known as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it’s in an advanced stage, making awareness efforts essential.

🎗️ Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Date, Key Facts & Quick Reference

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026 is observed throughout all of September 2026 — from September 1 to September 30. Every year, September is dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer — often called the “silent killer” because it frequently produces no symptoms until it reaches an advanced and harder-to-treat stage.

In 2000, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition expanded this to the entire month of September, an effort formalized the next year by President George W. Bush. Each year, the month of September is annually recognized as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. (Source: AJMC — Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month History)

Here is everything you need to know at a glance:

Detail	Information
📅 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026	All of September — September 1–30, 2026
🎗️ Official awareness colour	Teal — representing courage, strength, and hope
🏛️ Key organisation (US)	National Ovarian Cancer Coalition — ovarian.org
🔬 Research organisation	Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance — ocrahope.org
🩺 Clinical body	AACR — Ovarian Cancer Information
🌸 Wear Teal Day 2026	First Friday of September — Friday, September 4, 2026
🏃 Together in TEAL events	Walk/run events nationwide throughout September
📣 Hashtags	#OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth #WearTeal #TealRibbon #OvCa

Teal is the official color of ovarian cancer awareness, representing courage, strength, and hope. Each year, Wear Teal Day serves as a powerful kickoff to National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Whether you’re at work, at school, or online, wearing teal makes a visible statement — and it only takes one spark to start a life-saving conversation. (Source: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition)

Why September Matters

September is officially recognised as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. It’s a time when advocates, organisations, and individuals come together to:

• Raise awareness of early signs and symptoms
• Promote regular health check-ups and genetic testing
• Fund research for better diagnosis and treatments
• Support survivors and remember those lost to the disease

Ovarian Cancer Statistics

Accurate and current statistics help paint a clearer picture of the burden of ovarian cancer. Below are key facts:

Statistic	Value	Source
Estimated new cases in 2024 (U.S.)	19,680	American Cancer Society
Estimated deaths in 2024 (U.S.)	12,740	ACS
5-Year Survival Rate (all stages)	~50%	CDC
Lifetime risk of diagnosis	1 in 78	Cancer.net
Lifetime risk of death	1 in 108	Cancer.net

What Is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries or related areas such as the fallopian tubes. There are three main types:

• Epithelial tumours: Most common type
• Germ cell tumours: Begin in the cells that form eggs
• Stromal tumours: Develop in the hormone-producing cells

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague, leading to late diagnoses. Common signs include:

• Persistent bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Early satiety or difficulty eating
• Increased urinary urgency or frequency

The Importance of Early Detection

There is no standard screening for ovarian cancer, which makes symptom recognition critical. Diagnostic methods include:

• Pelvic exams
• Transvaginal ultrasounds
• CA-125 blood tests

Who Is at Risk?

Certain individuals are more susceptible to ovarian cancer. High-risk groups include:

• Women over 50
• Those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
• Individuals with endometriosis

Genetic Testing and Prevention

Genetic counselling and testing during ovarian cancer awareness month can help identify high-risk individuals. Preventative actions may include:

• Regular monitoring
• Prophylactic surgeries
• Lifestyle changes

The Teal Ribbon Movement

The teal ribbon represents ovarian cancer. During September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, people wear teal apparel and participate in awareness campaigns.

Awareness Events and Campaigns

Ovarian Cancer Month 2023 and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2022 saw digital events, fundraisers, and educational webinars. Key events include:

• Teal Tuesdays: Wearing teal to support awareness
• Ovarian Cancer Day: Celebrated globally on May 8
• Walks and Runs: Community-led fundraising efforts

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Facts

Fact	Description
Awareness Color	Teal
U.S. Recognition	September
Global Awareness Day	May 8
Symbol	Teal Ribbon
Leading Cause of Death	5th among cancers in women

Ways to Get Involved

Here’s how you can support ovarian cancer awareness month:

• Wear teal or ovarian cancer gear
• Share information on social media
• Donate to research organisations
• Encourage friends and family to learn the symptoms
• Participate in virtual or local awareness events

Global Initiatives

While the U.S. observes National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September, other global events include:

• March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the UK
• May 8 is Ovarian Cancer Day across multiple countries

These international campaigns underscore the importance of global cooperation.

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Some campaigns combine efforts for both breast and ovarian cancers. The breast and ovarian cancer ribbon campaign highlights shared genetic risks and dual screening.

Teal Gear and Apparel

From t-shirts and bracelets to hats and custom teal masks, ovarian cancer apparel spreads the message and often supports non-profit initiatives. Look for limited-edition items released during ovarian cancer awareness month 2023.

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📊 Updated Ovarian Cancer Statistics 2025–2026: The Most Current Data

Here is a fully updated statistics table using the most current figures available from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) SEER programme and other authoritative sources:

It was estimated that approximately 20,890 women in the United States would receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2025, according to SEER estimates.

Furthermore, approximately 12,730 women are estimated to die from the disease. Ovarian cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. About 1.1% of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point in their lifetimes. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER Programme, 2025)

Statistic	Figure	Source
US new ovarian cancer diagnoses (2025)	~20,890 women	AACR / NCI SEER, 2025
US ovarian cancer deaths (estimated 2025)	~12,730 women	AACR / NCI SEER, 2025
Lifetime diagnosis risk for US women	~1.1%	AACR / NCI SEER
Overall 5-year relative survival rate	51.6%	AACR / NCI SEER
5-year survival — Stage I (early, local)	80%+	Teal Ribbon Foundation
5-year survival — advanced stage	~25%	AJMC
Cases caught at early stage	Only 25% of US patients	AJMC
Cases detected at late/advanced stage	~66% (two-thirds)	Awareness Days, 2026
Ovarian cancer’s rank among women’s cancer deaths	5th–6th leading cause	AACR / NCI / Support Store
Annual US diagnoses (broader estimate)	Over 22,000 women	Support Store

Research confirms that women diagnosed at Stage I have an 80%+ survival rate — reinforcing the mission to expand early detection programmes. Most ovarian cancer cases are detected too late because symptoms are subtle and often ignored. Every year thousands of women lose their lives because early warning signs were missed or dismissed. But early detection can dramatically increase survival. (Source: Teal Ribbon Foundation)

The contrast between early and late diagnosis survival rates is stark: 80%+ vs 25%. This single statistic is the most compelling argument for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and for every woman knowing the symptoms.

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⚠️ The Early Detection Crisis: Why Only 25% Are Caught in Time

Ovarian cancer is “very treatable when detected early,” but only 25% of US patients are diagnosed in the early stages. When diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of 5-year survival is about 25%. (Source: AJMC)

Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, with around two-thirds of cases found at a more advanced stage. By increasing awareness, we can help reduce diagnostic delays, save lives, and ensure women feel empowered to speak up about their health concerns. (Source: Awareness Days, 2026)

Furthermore, no screening tests to date have been shown to decrease the rate of death from ovarian cancer. As a result, ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER)

This is the central challenge: unlike many other cancers, there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer. There is no ovarian cancer equivalent of a mammogram. The only tools available are symptom awareness and genetic testing for high-risk individuals.

This is exactly why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — and knowing the symptoms — can literally save lives.

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🩺 Ovarian Cancer Symptoms: The Complete Guide Every Woman Must Know

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are notoriously subtle and easy to dismiss. They mimic common digestive and gynaecological complaints. Understanding them — and knowing when to push for investigation — is the most powerful tool any woman has.

The Four Key Symptoms to Know and Report

Ovarian cancer may cause nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal swelling or pain, or no symptoms at all. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER)

The most commonly reported ovarian cancer symptoms are:

• 🔴 Bloating — persistent, not related to eating or menstrual cycle
• 🔴 Pelvic or abdominal pain — especially dull, persistent pressure or discomfort
• 🔴 Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly — after eating very little
• 🔴 Urinary urgency or frequency — needing to urinate urgently or more often than usual

Additional Symptoms That May Appear

• 🟡 Fatigue — unexplained and persistent
• 🟡 Indigestion or nausea
• 🟡 Back pain — persistent, lower back
• 🟡 Pain during sex
• 🟡 Constipation
• 🟡 Irregular periods or post-menopausal bleeding
• 🟡 Unexplained weight loss or gain

The Critical Rule: Frequency + Persistence = Action

The key distinction between normal digestive symptoms and ovarian cancer symptoms is this: frequency and persistence. Bloating and pelvic pain are common. But if these symptoms:

• Occur more than 12 times per month
• Are new for you (not your usual pattern)
• Have persisted for more than 3 weeks
• Are progressively getting worse

…then see a doctor. Do not wait. Do not accept reassurance without investigation. Ask specifically: “Could this be ovarian cancer? What tests can we do?” (Source: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition — ovarian.org)

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📈 Stages of Ovarian Cancer Explained Simply

Understanding the stages of ovarian cancer helps women and their families understand prognosis, treatment options, and what early diagnosis actually means. Most ovarian cancer articles mention “early stage” and “advanced stage” without explaining what this means practically.

Stage	Where Cancer Is Found	5-Year Survival Rate
Stage I	Confined to one or both ovaries or fallopian tubes	80–90%+
Stage II	Spread to other pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, sigmoid colon)	~70%
Stage III	Spread to abdominal lining or lymph nodes	25–40%
Stage IV	Spread to distant organs (liver, lungs, outside abdomen)	~17%

(Source: NCI SEER / AACR | Teal Ribbon Foundation)

This staging table tells the whole story of why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month matters. Stage I is potentially curable. Stage IV is rarely survivable beyond 5 years. The difference between those outcomes often comes down to whether a woman knew to take her symptoms seriously — and whether a doctor took them seriously too.

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🧬 BRCA Gene Mutations and Ovarian Cancer: A Guide for Families

One of the most important risk factors for ovarian cancer is inherited gene mutations — and this information is particularly relevant for HopeForSpecial families, where genetic counselling is often already part of the family’s medical journey.

Family history and inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are significant risk factors for ovarian cancer. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER, 2025)

What Are BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that normally help protect cells from becoming cancerous. When these genes have harmful mutations, they stop working properly. Women with BRCA1 mutations have a 44–46% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women with BRCA2 mutations have a 12–17% lifetime risk — compared to the general population risk of ~1.1%.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

Risk Factor	Action Recommended
Mother, sister, or daughter with ovarian cancer	Discuss BRCA testing with your doctor
Mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer under 50	Discuss genetic counselling
Known BRCA mutation in family	Genetic testing strongly recommended
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage	BRCA mutations are more common; discuss testing
Two or more relatives with breast OR ovarian cancer	Discuss genetic counselling
Male relative with breast cancer	Associated with BRCA2 mutation families

(Source: NCI — BRCA Gene Testing | AACR)

Furthermore, hereditary cancers include breast and ovarian cancer. Gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer, have hereditary components that make genetic testing important for at-risk families. (Source: National Today / Foundation for Women’s Cancer)

What Can High-Risk Women Do?

For women identified as BRCA mutation carriers, options include:

• Increased surveillance — more frequent transvaginal ultrasounds and CA-125 blood tests
• Risk-reducing surgery — removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy) can reduce ovarian cancer risk by up to 96% in BRCA carriers
• Chemoprevention — some evidence for oral contraceptives reducing ovarian cancer risk in high-risk women

These are significant decisions that require specialist gynaecological oncology input — not decisions to make alone. Genetic counselling is available through most major hospital systems and cancer centres.

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💊 Ovarian Cancer Treatment 2026: What Options Exist

Most Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month articles focus on awareness and symptoms but stop short of explaining what actually happens after diagnosis. For families — especially those already managing complex medical care for a special needs child — understanding the treatment landscape reduces fear and improves advocacy.

Primary Treatment Approaches

Treatment	What It Involves	When Used
Surgery	Remove ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and any visible cancer tissue (debulking surgery)	Most cases — primary treatment for all stages
Chemotherapy	Platinum-based drugs (carboplatin + paclitaxel) most common	After surgery; sometimes before (neoadjuvant)
Targeted therapy	PARP inhibitors (olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib) target BRCA-related cancers	Maintenance therapy; recurrent cancer
Immunotherapy	Emerging role; checkpoint inhibitors being studied	Clinical trials; some recurrent cases
Hormone therapy	For specific subtypes (stromal tumours)	Select cases

Pre-surgery chemotherapy proves to be an effective option for advanced ovarian cancer. (Source: National Today / Foundation for Women’s Cancer) This approach — called neoadjuvant chemotherapy — shrinks the tumour before surgery, making the operation less extensive and potentially improving outcomes.

Questions to Ask Your Oncologist

Every woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer — or a family member supporting her through diagnosis — should ask these questions:

• ✅ What type and stage of ovarian cancer is this?
• ✅ Should I have genetic testing (BRCA)?
• ✅ Am I eligible for clinical trials?
• ✅ What is the goal of this treatment — cure or control?
• ✅ Who is on my multidisciplinary team?
• ✅ Should I seek a second opinion at a specialist gynaecological oncology centre?

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🧩 Ovarian Cancer and Special Needs

Ovarian Cancer in Women with Disabilities

Women with disabilities face significant and documented disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, these women deserve specific mention:

• Women with physical disabilities may have difficulty accessing gynaecological examinations due to inaccessible facilities
• Women with intellectual disabilities may have difficulty communicating symptoms or consenting to examination
• Women with communication difficulties may not be able to report pelvic pain or urinary symptoms accurately
• Women with mental health conditions may face diagnostic bias — symptoms being attributed to psychological causes rather than physical ones

These disparities translate directly into later-stage diagnoses and worse outcomes.

Mothers of Special Needs Children: The Hidden Risk Group

Mothers raising children with special needs face chronic, elevated stress. Research has established links between chronic stress and inflammation — and inflammation plays a role in cancer progression. Beyond biology, the daily demands of special needs parenting create practical barriers to cancer screening:

• 🔴 Time barriers — it is genuinely difficult to schedule and attend medical appointments when caregiving demands are constant
• 🔴 Mental health barriers — exhaustion, depression, and anxiety reduce the likelihood of proactive self-care
• 🔴 Financial barriers — families spending heavily on special needs care may delay personal medical appointments
• 🔴 Prioritisation barriers — the instinct to put the child’s needs first often means the mother’s health comes last

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, this message is for every special needs mum reading this: Your health is not a luxury. Your life matters to your child more than anything else you do for them. Book the appointment. Go to the doctor. Take the symptoms seriously.

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💔 Ovarian Cancer and the Family: The Caregiver Impact

When a woman is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the impact ripples through the entire family. For families already managing a child’s special needs, that impact is compounded significantly.

A parent with ovarian cancer who is also the primary caregiver for a special needs child faces:

• Disrupted routines — treatment appointments, hospitalisations, and recovery periods break the predictable routine that special needs children depend on
• Reduced capacity for care — fatigue from chemotherapy significantly reduces the physical and emotional energy available for caregiving
• Financial pressure — treatment costs compound the already elevated financial demands of special needs care
• Emotional complexity — managing their own fear and grief while maintaining calm for a child who needs stability
• Support gap — mainstream cancer support services rarely address the specific needs of parents who are also caregivers for children with disabilities

If your family is navigating both ovarian cancer and special needs parenting simultaneously, please reach out to organisations like:

• 🌐 OCRA — Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance Support
• 🌐 National Ovarian Cancer Coalition — Support Services
• 🌐 Cancer Care — Free Counselling and Support

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🌟 Famous Women Who Fought Ovarian Cancer

Sharing stories of known women who have faced ovarian cancer brings this disease out of statistics and into human reality. These women used their experiences to advance awareness and reduce stigma:

Person	Connection to Ovarian Cancer	Impact
Gilda Radner	Died from ovarian cancer in 1989 aged 42	Her death galvanised awareness; husband Gene Wilder founded Gilda’s Club
Jessica Bowman	Diagnosed in her 20s; ovarian cancer advocate	Raised awareness among younger women
Cokie Roberts	Died from ovarian cancer in 2019	Prominent journalist; raised public awareness through her diagnosis
Kathy Griffin	Has spoken publicly about family history and BRCA testing	Raised awareness of genetic risk

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer formed Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month due to the threat of critical cancers including ovarian cancer, recognising that millions of people are still unaware that these cancers even exist. (Source: National Today / Foundation for Women’s Cancer)

These stories matter because they make ovarian cancer visible. When a well-known woman is diagnosed — or dies — the conversation changes. And during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, every conversation can save a life.

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💬 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026: Quotes and Messages

One of the most searched topics in September is finding the right words for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Here are original quotes and messages for 2026:

Quotes for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month:

“Ovarian cancer is called the silent killer not because it is quiet — but because we haven’t been listening. This September, we listen.”

“Teal is the colour of ovarian cancer awareness. But what it really represents is every woman who noticed something wasn’t right and had to fight to be taken seriously.”

“Early detection changes everything. An 80% chance of survival versus a 25% chance — that difference is awareness. That difference is September.”

“To every special needs mum reading this: your health is not a sacrifice you should be making for your family. It is the gift your family needs most.”

“Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month exists because symptoms are subtle, screening is limited, and women are dying from a disease that could be caught in time.”

Messages for Social Media — Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026:

• 🎗️ “September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026! Wear teal on September 4 for Wear Teal Day. Know the 4 symptoms: bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, urinary urgency. These symptoms — persistent for 3+ weeks — deserve investigation. #WearTeal #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth”
• 💚 “Did you know only 25% of ovarian cancer cases are caught at early stage — when survival rates are 80%+? Knowing the symptoms could save your life. This #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth, share this. One share could save a life. #TealRibbon #OvCa”
• 🩺 “For every mum raising a child with special needs: your health matters. Your life matters. Book the appointment. This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, please don’t put yourself last. #SpecialNeedsParents #OvarianCancerAwareness2026”

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🔗 Trusted Resources for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026

Resource	What It Provides
🌐 National Ovarian Cancer Coalition — ovarian.org	Awareness events, support programmes, Wear Teal Day
🌐 Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance — ocrahope.org	Research funding, patient support, clinical trials
🌐 AACR — Ovarian Cancer Information	NCI SEER statistics and clinical information
🌐 NCI — Ovarian Cancer	Authoritative clinical guidance
🌐 Teal Ribbon Foundation	Patient navigation and early detection support
🌐 BRCA Gene Testing — NCI	Genetic testing information for high-risk families
🌐 CancerCare — Support Services	Free counselling and support for cancer patients and families
🌐 Foundation for Women’s Cancer	Education, research, and advocacy

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❓ FAQs: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026

Q: When is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026?

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2026 runs throughout all of September 2026 — from September 1 to September 30. In 2000, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition expanded awareness to the entire month of September, formalised the following year by President George W. Bush. (Source: AJMC) Wear Teal Day 2026 falls on Friday, September 4, 2026 — the first Friday of September.

Q: What colour represents ovarian cancer awareness?

Teal is the official color of ovarian cancer awareness, representing courage, strength, and hope. (Source: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition) Wearing teal during September is the primary symbol of solidarity with those affected by ovarian cancer.

Q: How common is ovarian cancer?

It was estimated that approximately 20,890 women in the United States would receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2025, according to SEER estimates. About 1.1% of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point in their lifetimes. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER, 2025)

Q: What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer?

The four key symptoms to report to a doctor are: persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency. Ovarian cancer may cause nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal swelling or pain, or no symptoms at all — which is why it often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage. (Source: AACR) If these symptoms occur frequently and persist for more than 3 weeks, see a doctor.

Q: What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer?

The survival rate depends significantly on the stage at diagnosis. Women diagnosed at Stage I have an 80%+ survival rate. (Source: Teal Ribbon Foundation) However, only 25% of US patients are diagnosed in the early stages — and when diagnosed in advanced stages, the chance of 5-year survival is about 25%. (Source: AJMC) This gap is the core reason early detection awareness matters so profoundly.

Q: Is there a screening test for ovarian cancer?

No screening tests to date have been shown to decrease the rate of death from ovarian cancer. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER) This is why symptom awareness and genetic testing for high-risk individuals (BRCA mutation carriers) are the most important tools available.

Q: Who is at high risk for ovarian cancer?

Key risk factors include: family history of ovarian or breast cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (higher BRCA mutation prevalence), never having been pregnant, and age (risk increases with age). Family history and inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are significant risk factors for ovarian cancer. (Source: AACR / NCI SEER)

Voice Search

What month is ovarian cancer awareness month?
September is observed as ovarian cancer awareness month.

What day is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day?
May 8 is Ovarian Cancer Day, while September 23 is observed by some as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day.

What is the ribbon for ovarian cancer?
The colour teal represents ovarian cancer awareness.

What was the focus of ovarian cancer awareness month 2023?
It focused on early detection, disparities in care, and promoting genetic testing.

Can ovarian cancer be cured if caught early?
Yes, early-stage ovarian cancer has a survival rate of over 90%.

Why is awareness important?
Because symptoms are subtle and no standard screening exists, awareness can save lives by promoting early diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor survivors, educate the public, and advance research. With continued efforts and shared knowledge, we can reduce the number of lives lost to this silent disease.

Learn more and get involved at OCRA – Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.