Annually every May 8th is World Ovarian Cancer Day. The teal awareness ribbon shows support for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is diagnosed annually in nearly a quarter of a million women globally, and is responsible for 140,000 deaths each year. Statistics show that just 45% of women with ovarian cancer are likely to survive for five years compared to up to 89% of women with breast cancer.
Key Facts About Ovarian Cancer
1. All women with ovaries are at risk of ovarian cancer.
2. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage reducing survival.
3. Diagnosis at an early stage improves a woman’s chance of survival.
4. Women believe in error that the cervical smear test (Pap test) will detect ovarian cancer.
5. Awareness of the early warning signs of ovarian cancer could save lives.
Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all gynecologic cancers, and is characterized around the world by a lack of awareness of symptoms and late stage diagnosis.
May 8th, 2013, was the first World Ovarian Cancer Day. On this day, ovarian cancer organizations from around the world united to educate their communities about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. For women living with the disease, and their families and friends, World Ovarian Cancer Day has built, and will continue to build a sense of solidarity in the fight against the disease.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can often be confused with other less serious conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms include:
- Increased abdominal size / persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes)
- Difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, or loss of appetite
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Needing to pass urine more urgently or more frequently going to the bathroom
- Bleeding after menopause
- Weight loss with no explanation
- Change in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea
The above information is main from World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and other sources below. Additional information at:
https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/world-ovarian-cancer-day/what-is-wocd/
https://cureourovariancancer.org/ovarian-cancer-day/
https://www.cancer.gov/types/ovarian
https://engage.esgo.org/resources/cancer-fact-sheets/ovarian-cancer/
Show your support for World Ovarian Cancer Day by sharing one of the images from this post
Show your support and awareness for ovarian cancer with these teal awareness ribbon products below. Visit the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Ribbon or Teal Awareness Ribbon merchandise.
