Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Diseases
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 🎗️

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month dedicates the entire month of September to educating the public about this silent disease. Understanding ovarian cancer’s often subtle early signs and symptoms can drastically decrease deaths and save lives. Take action this month by learning the symptoms, sharing information, and supporting research.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Deals

Throughout Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, fundraising and advocacy take center stage. Organizations like the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) and the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) partner with corporations to amplify their message. Look for donation match programs from retailers such as Target and Nordstrom, or special product lines where a portion of sales benefits research, often seen from companies like Estée Lauder Companies. Many local businesses host events, walks, and ’round-up at checkout’ drives. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns and events as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth. Share infographics on symptoms, survivor stories, and ways to get involved.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth. Host a live Q&A with a medical expert or survivor.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth. Share breaking news on research, policy updates, and advocacy calls to action.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Hero

Dr. George Papanicolaou

Dr. George Papanicolaou (1883–1962) was a Greek-American physician who pioneered cytopathology and early cancer detection. He is best known for inventing the Pap test, a screening method for cervical cancer. While not directly for ovarian cancer, his work revolutionized women's health diagnostics and underscored the importance of early detection in gynecological cancers, saving countless lives.

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.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Local businesses can honor Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by hosting fundraising events or dedicating a portion of September’s sales to a reputable ovarian cancer research foundation. Consider displaying educational materials about symptoms and risk factors in your establishment. Partner with local advocacy groups for cross-promotion or offer special services that promote women’s health check-ups, raising vital awareness in the community.

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

It doesn’t always start in the ovaries
Most ovarian cancers start in the cells of the fallopian tube, which then multiply and reach the ovaries.
Pregnancy and birth control pills lower risk
Studies show that full-term pregnancy and birth control pills can lower the risk.
It is diagnosed with a biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure in which a tiny bit of aberrant tissue is removed to determine the presence of cancer and confirm the diagnosis.
Old age is a significant risk
Ovarian cancer usually affects women who are 63 years or older.
Blood tests and screenings can help
Screenings and blood tests are the best ways to detect ovarian cancer early.

Why Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is Important

It supports people
This month is dedicated to people suffering from Ovarian cancer. We can encourage them to share their stories with others.
It creates awareness
This month raises awareness of possible early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. This allows people to take action sooner rather than later.
It changes lives
Due to early diagnosis, people take treatment and get a second chance to live. People can lead everyday lives.