- Categories:
- Health
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- AwarenessDiseasesWomen
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- International
- Date change rule:
- Every May 8
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- 🎗️
World Ovarian Cancer Day unites advocates and patients every May 8 to raise global awareness about this critical disease. Learn about early symptoms, support research initiatives, and stand in solidarity with those affected. Get involved by sharing information, participating in fundraisers, and encouraging regular health screenings.
Want to sponsor World Ovarian Cancer Day? Learn how
History of World Ovarian Cancer Day
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed annually throughout the world on May 8. This observance aims to raise awareness as advocacy organizations, families, and patients come together to raise their voices against ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries and may present symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, poor appetite, constipation, and abdominal swelling. From the ovaries, cancer can spread to organs around the ovary like the lungs, stomach, and liver. People who have ovulated more in their lifetime are at higher risk of ovarian cancer. This includes people who started menstruating early in life, people who have not had children, or people who have delayed menopause.
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are usually subtle, which leads to a long wait time before the disease is diagnosed. Doctors aim to eliminate other factors and potential causes before considering cancer, as screening may lead to a false positive and unnecessary surgery. The surgery comes with its own risks and is avoided unless consulting doctors believe with some measure of certainty that their patient could have ovarian cancer.
People with a family history of ovarian cancer are considered high risk and will usually be diagnosed faster than people considered relatively low risk. Treatment plans for ovarian cancer depend on the severity of the cancer and if it has spread to other organs. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are common treatment methods, and a combination of chemotherapy and surgery is recommended for most patients.
World Ovarian Cancer Day timeline
On Christmas Day, Jane Todd Crawford has an enormous tumor extracted from her ovary.
Sir Spencer Wells discovers that most ovarian tumors develop from a transformation of the surface layer of the ovary.
Dr. Robert Bast discovers a biomarker to test for the blood protein CA-125 to identify ovarian cancer.
Researchers at the Cancer Institute discover five additional biomarkers for ovarian cancer to support early diagnosis.
World Ovarian Cancer Day FAQs
When is World Ovarian Cancer Day?
In 2027, World Ovarian Cancer Day falls on Saturday, May 8. This day serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize women’s health and support ongoing research efforts.
How many women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year?
In the U.S. alone, around 19,710 new cases of ovarian cancer are estimated for 2027, with about 13,270 women expected to die from the disease. These figures underscore the urgent need for more effective treatments and screening methods.
What are the common symptoms of ovarian cancer?
While symptoms can be subtle, persistent changes in bowel habits, indigestion, back pain, or pain during intercourse can also be indicators. It’s crucial to consult a doctor if these symptoms are new, severe, or last for more than a few weeks.
Is there an effective screening test for ovarian cancer?
For women at high risk due to family history or genetic mutations (like BRCA1/2), doctors may recommend regular pelvic exams, transvaginal ultrasounds, and CA-125 blood tests. However, these are not considered definitive screening tools for average-risk women.
How to Observe World Ovarian Cancer Day
Check your medical history
World Ovarian Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. If you are presenting any symptoms, check your medical history to see if you’re at risk for it and go for a check-up.
Share information about the risk
New information about the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer is available. Why not put together an information packet and share it with the people you know?
Support a cancer patient
If you know someone who has ovarian cancer, reach out and let them know they’re not alone. You can also help by supporting them, their families, or their support system with everyday tasks.
5 Important Facts About Ovarian Cancer
The survival rate
In America, most people diagnosed with ovarian cancer have a five-year survival rate of 49%, but this rate is lower in developing countries.
Age is an important risk factor
Delayed menopause and age are important risk factors concerning ovarian cancer, as several people are diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the median age of 63.
It’s more common in America and Europe
Deaths by ovarian cancer are more common in North America and Europe than in Asia or Africa.
Know the odds
The average person has a one in 78 chance of developing ovarian cancer.
The rate of diagnosis has reduced
According to the American Cancer Society, the diagnosis rate for ovarian cancer has reduced by 20%.
Why World Ovarian Cancer Day is Important
It keeps people informed
Ovarian cancer is dangerous and has very subtle symptoms. We must inform people to ensure they or their loved ones get treatment in time.
It allows us to support patients
People who have ovarian cancer need all the support they can get. On World Ovarian Cancer Day, we can help out and support them by raising our voices against ovarian cancer.
The day encourages research
Ovarian cancer is hard to diagnose, and late diagnosis affects the survival rate. This day allows us to support scientists to research more ways to diagnose ovarian cancer and catch it early.
