Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

History of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Sir Spencer Wells, who died in 1872, is credited with believing that changed peritoneal mesothelioma causes most ovarian cancer. Before 1950, ovarian cancer was typically treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Researchers concentrated on palliative care for advanced ovarian cancer as chemotherapy was not discovered. They used a variant of nitrogen mustard.

In 1956, researchers at M.D. Anderson Hospital started treating patients with the alkylating agent melphalan, which helped shrink tumors in six of seven patients with advanced ovarian cancer. In 1966, researchers noted that melphalan could be curative. They claimed that 13 patients responded well to the treatment, with no tumors discovered in any of them, and chemotherapy was discontinued. Only two patients developed recurrence after follow-ups.

In the 1970s, patients for whom melphalan was unsuccessful had no other effective treatment. In 1976, a report from the U.K. noted that one out of four patients responded to cisplatin, but it did not cure the tumor. But this started a modern era of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. Griffiths and Fuller published findings in 1978 that supported the use of debulking surgery. They found that patients who underwent debulking surgery and had residual disease less than 1.6 cm in diameter lived for 40 months. In contrast, no patient with a residual greater than 1.5 cm survived for 40 months.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month timeline

Before 1950

Surgery or Radiotherapy is the Only Treatment

Researchers concentrate on palliative care for advanced ovarian cancer as they are the only treatments currently available.

1956

Melphalan is Used

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Hospital treats patients with the alkylating agent melphalan to shrink tumors in six of seven patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

1970s

Cisplatin is Found Effective

A report from the U.K. states that one out of four patients have responded to cisplatin, but the treatment does not cure the tumor.

1978

Debulking Surgery is Advocated

Griffiths and Fuller publish findings in support of the use of debulking surgery.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month FAQs

When is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout September 2026, dedicating the entire month to raising public understanding of this disease and supporting those affected.

How many women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year?

In 2026, approximately 19,000 women in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, highlighting the ongoing prevalence of this disease.

What are the common symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms like urgency or frequency. These can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions.

What color ribbon represents ovarian cancer awareness?

The color teal represents ovarian cancer awareness. Wearing a teal ribbon or displaying the color is a widely recognized way to show support for patients, survivors, and research efforts.

How to Observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Read up

Learn about ovarian cancer's causes and early signs. Find out what puts people at risk and what you can do to help them.

Spread awareness

Raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms and educate people about them. Make individuals aware of the right cure and what to do if diagnosed.

Volunteer

Many walks and races are held across the country to support those at risk of ovarian cancer and help them. Many activities are now available online. Volunteer to generate funds to help people with their treatment.

5 Facts About Ovarian Cancer