Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, the reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. While ovarian cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, it is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. The reason for this high mortality rate is that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage due to its subtle symptoms and lack of screening tests. As a result, it's crucial to raise awareness about ovarian cancer so that women can recognize the early warning signs and seek medical help as soon as possible.
During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we can all play a part in spreading knowledge about this disease and supporting those who are affected by it. In this article, I will discuss ways in which you can make a difference, from learning about the risk factors and symptoms to supporting research and advocacy efforts. Let's work together to make a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Know the Risk Factors and Symptoms
One of the first steps in making a difference during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is to educate yourself about the risk factors and symptoms associated with the disease. While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, understanding them can help you stay vigilant and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Additionally, knowing the symptoms of ovarian cancer can increase the chances of early detection and successful treatment.
Common risk factors for ovarian cancer include age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), and endometriosis. The symptoms of ovarian cancer, on the other hand, can be quite subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. These may include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent urination. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms persistently, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Share Information and Resources
During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, sharing accurate information and resources about the disease can help raise awareness and potentially save lives. This can be as simple as sharing articles, videos, or infographics on your social media platforms, or as involved as hosting a virtual event or webinar to educate your community about ovarian cancer.
There are numerous organizations, such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), that provide valuable information and resources to help you spread awareness. By sharing these resources, you can help others learn about ovarian cancer, its risk factors, and its symptoms, ultimately contributing to early detection and better outcomes for patients.
Support Research and Advocacy Efforts
Another way to make a difference during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is by supporting research and advocacy efforts. Organizations such as the OCRA and the NOCC are dedicated to funding groundbreaking research, providing support to patients and their families, and advocating for policy changes that benefit those affected by ovarian cancer.
There are several ways you can support these organizations, including making a donation, participating in a fundraising event, or volunteering your time and skills. By supporting research and advocacy efforts, you are not only contributing to the development of new treatments and therapies but also ensuring that ovarian cancer remains a priority for policymakers and healthcare providers.
Participate in Awareness Events
During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, many organizations host events and activities to raise awareness and funds for research, advocacy, and patient support. Participating in these events is a great way to show your support for the cause and help spread the word about the importance of early detection and treatment.
Some popular awareness events include walks, runs, and virtual events that can be attended from the comfort of your own home. By participating in these events, you can help raise much-needed funds for ovarian cancer research and support services while also connecting with a community of people who share your passion for making a difference.
Wear Teal to Show Your Support
One simple yet powerful way to show your support during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is by wearing the color teal. Teal is the official color of ovarian cancer awareness, and wearing it throughout the month can help spark conversations and raise awareness about the disease.
Consider wearing teal clothing, accessories, or even nail polish to show your support and start conversations about ovarian cancer. You can also encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to do the same by organizing a "Wear Teal Day" at your workplace or in your community. By wearing teal, you can help create a visual reminder of the importance of ovarian cancer awareness and early detection.
Offer Support to Those Affected by Ovarian Cancer
Finally, one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is by offering support to those who have been affected by the disease. This can include reaching out to friends or family members who are living with ovarian cancer, volunteering for a local support group, or simply listening to and validating the experiences of others.
Support can come in many forms, and even small gestures can make a significant impact on the lives of those touched by ovarian cancer. By offering your support and understanding, you can help create a more compassionate and supportive environment for those facing the challenges of this disease.
Comments
Camille Mavibas
Teal nail polish? I’m in. 🌸 Just wore mine today and my coworker asked what it meant-perfect opening to talk about ovarian cancer. Small acts, big impact.
Adam Walter
Let’s be real: the symptoms are vague because medicine has ignored women’s pain for decades. Bloating? ‘It’s just PMS.’ Pelvic pain? ‘You’re stressed.’ We need better screening-not just awareness. I’ve seen three friends lose their mothers to this. It’s not ‘subtle.’ It’s systemic neglect.
Melissa Thompson
I’m sorry-but this article is so watered-down. Where’s the data? Where’s the peer-reviewed research? You mention BRCA but don’t cite the 2023 JAMA study on penetrance rates. And ‘wear teal’? That’s performative activism. Real change requires funding molecular diagnostics-not Pinterest boards.
ANDREA SCIACCA
I’m not saying this is wrong... but why is it always US-centric? In India, women don’t even get told they have cancer until it’s stage 4. No screenings. No insurance. No doctors who listen. And you’re telling me to wear TEAL? Honey, I’d wear neon if it got my aunt a CT scan.
caroline howard
Oh, so now we’re supposed to feel guilty if we don’t host a webinar and wear pastel socks? Cool. I’ll just sit here quietly grieving my sister while you all turn her death into a hashtag.
Michael Lynch
I get the intent. But awareness doesn’t equal action. I volunteer at a free clinic. Last month, a 42-year-old came in with bloating and weight loss. She’d been told it was IBS for 18 months. When we finally got her a CA-125, it was stage 3. Awareness doesn’t fix access. We need more clinics-not more ribbons.
Gurupriya Dutta
In India, many women don’t even know what ovaries are. We call them ‘internal organs’ and avoid talking about them. My mother was diagnosed after collapsing at a wedding. No one knew the symptoms. I’ve started translating these resources into Hindi and Bengali. It’s slow, but someone has to do it.
Matthew King
i just got my first pap smear at 35 bc i thought they were only for stds. lmao. i’m so glad this post exists. i’m sharing it with my mom and my cousin. we’re all wearing teal tomorrow. no big deal, just life-saving stuff.
Joe Puleo
My sister had ovarian cancer. They missed it for a year because her doctor said she was too young. She’s in remission now. But here’s what helped: her oncologist gave her a laminated card with the 4 symptoms. She carried it in her wallet. If you remember one thing, remember this: bloating, pain, fullness, urgency. If it’s new, persistent, and worse than usual-go. Don’t wait.
Don Moore
I commend the intent of this article. However, I must emphasize that advocacy must be paired with structural reform. The NIH allocates less than 2% of its cancer funding to ovarian cancer despite its mortality rate. We must lobby for equitable funding, not merely distribute infographics.
Ben Jackson
Teal’s great, but let’s talk about the real hero: the gynecologic oncology nurse who stays late to explain CA-125 results to terrified patients. Those folks don’t get enough credit. If you want to help, donate to nurse training programs. They’re the frontline.
Austin Levine
I’m a guy. I didn’t know any of this. Thanks for posting.
Keith Bloom
Ugh. Another ‘awareness’ post. You people think slapping a ribbon on a coffee cup changes anything? My cousin died because her OB-GYN didn’t order an ultrasound. No one’s talking about the 70% of docs who still don’t screen for ovarian cancer unless the patient begs. Awareness? More like apathy with glitter.
Andrea Swick
I think it’s important to note that while wearing teal is symbolic, the real work happens in the waiting rooms, the insurance appeals, the late-night Google searches by women who are scared and alone. We need to normalize asking for help-even when you feel silly. You’re not overreacting. You’re being smart.
Bhanu pratap
In my village, women hide symptoms because they fear being a burden. I started a small group-just 12 women-who meet monthly to share stories. One woman finally went to the hospital after hearing another speak. She’s alive now. Awareness isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just one voice saying, ‘I’m here. You’re not alone.’
Amelia Wigton
The CA-125 biomarker has a false-positive rate of 5–10% in premenopausal women, and transvaginal ultrasound lacks specificity. Without a validated screening protocol, public awareness campaigns risk inducing unnecessary anxiety and invasive procedures. This is why we need translational research-not performative activism.
Adam Walter
To the person who said ‘wear teal’ is performative: you’re right. But so is donating to a charity that doesn’t fund research. The point isn’t perfection-it’s momentum. My mom wore teal every day for 18 months. She didn’t change policy. But she made her doctor listen when she said, ‘This isn’t normal.’ And that’s how it starts.