Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Awareness Month

• September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
• The teal ribbon is the symbol for it.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

• It starts in the ovaries, which are the female organs that produce eggs.
• It’s often called a “Silent Killer” because the symptoms are unclear and can be missed until the cancer is already serious.

Signs & Symptoms

Early signs may include:

• Constant bloating
• Pain in the belly or pelvic area
• Trouble eating or feeling full too quickly
• Needing to pee often or urgently

Other possible signs:

• Feeling very tired
• Back pain
• Constipation
• Changes in periods
• Pain during sex

If these symptoms don’t go away for more than 2 weeks, visit a doctor.

Who is at Risk?

• Family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
• Age above 50
• Endometriosis (growth of uterine lining outside the uterus)
• Never being pregnant

How to Lower Risk

• Get genetic counselling if cancer runs in your family
• Using birth control pills (can lower risk)
• Preventive surgery if at high risk
• Living a healthy lifestyle

How is it Diagnosed?

There’s no regular screening test for ovarian cancer.
Doctors may use:

• Pelvic exam
• Ultrasound
• Blood test (CA-125)
• CT scan
• Biopsy (final confirmation)

How to Raise Awareness

• Wear teal in September
• Share survivor stories
• Support or organize events and fundraisers
• Educate others about symptoms and risks
• Support organizations like OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance)