World Ovarian Cancer Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Ovarian Cancer

World Ovarian Cancer Day is annually observed on May 8. The day is observed globally to promote awareness about ovarian cancer and recognise the suffering of those with the disease and their families’ efforts. The ovaries are the origin of ovarian cancer, which then expands to other organs, including the lungs, stomach, lymph nodes, and liver. Patients are typically diagnosed with cancer when they exhibit symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, constipation, and loss of appetite. On this day, ovarian cancer advocacy organisations raise their voices in solidarity with patients and strive to combat the disease.

The background of World Ovarian Cancer Day

World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed annually on May 8 around the globe. This observance seeks to raise awareness by bringing together advocacy organisations, families, and patients to speak out against ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and may manifest as abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, pelvic discomfort, poor appetite, and constipation. Cancer can travel from the ovaries to nearby organs such as the lungs, stomach, and liver. People who have had more ovulations in their lifespan are at a greater risk for developing ovarian cancer. This includes women who began menstruating at a young age, women who have not had children, and women with delayed menopause.

Typically, the early symptoms of ovarian cancer are inconspicuous, resulting in a lengthy diagnostic delay. Before diagnosing cancer, doctors attempt to rule out other factors and potential causes, as screening can lead to a false positive and unnecessary surgery. The surgery carries its own risks, so it is avoided unless the consulting physicians are reasonably certain that their patient has ovarian cancer.

People with a familial history of ovarian cancer are considered to be at a higher risk and are typically diagnosed more quickly than those considered to be at a lower risk. Plans for treating ovarian cancer hinge on the cancer’s severity and whether it has spread to other organs. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are common treatment methods, and chemotherapy and surgery are prescribed for the majority of patients.

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5 essential facts about ovarian cancer

In the United States, the five-year survival rate for most ovarian cancer patients is 49%, whereas this rate is lower in developing nations.

Age and delayed menopause are significant risk factors for ovarian cancer, as many individuals are diagnosed with the disease at a median age of 63.

In North America and Europe, ovarian cancer causes more deaths than in Asia or Africa.

There is a 1 in 78 possibility that the average person will develop ovarian cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports that the rate of ovarian cancer diagnoses has decreased by 20%.

WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY DATES