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Every year on May 8, the world comes together to shed light on a global healthcare threat: ovarian cancer. “I’m wearing my ovarian cancer survivor T-shirt to help spread awareness for Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8,” one member of MyOvarianCancerTeam said.
World Ovarian Cancer Day is an international effort bringing attention to this condition. The goal focuses on “improving outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer.”
Since it began in 2013, World Ovarian Cancer Day has flourished. Today, the movement includes over 200 organizations and reaches 80 percent of countries worldwide. World Ovarian Cancer Day successfully reached 52 million people in 2025.
Here are some key facts spotlighting the importance of World Ovarian Cancer Day.
Unlike some other cancers, there’s no reliable way to screen for ovarian cancer in people without symptoms. As a result, many cases are diagnosed after cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, when it’s harder to treat.
While some people believe that a Pap test may detect ovarian cancer, this is a myth. Pap tests, also called Pap smears, are designed to detect cervical cancer. These tests only detect ovarian cancer in rare cases when cancer cells have spread to the cervix or nearby regions.
If your healthcare provider thinks you may have ovarian cancer, they’ll ask about your family history, symptoms, and other risk factors (such as your age and any past pregnancies). They may also perform a pelvic exam.
Imaging tests provide a deeper look inside the body. These may include ultrasounds and other screenings.
In addition, blood tests can measure a substance called cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) that’s sometimes linked with ovarian cancer. But blood tests are just one part of the total picture. CA-125 can be high for reasons besides ovarian cancer. Sometimes people with ovarian cancer show normal levels of CA-125.
A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is usually confirmed during surgery. Your doctor may remove the ovaries and possibly other nearby organs during the same procedure if they find abnormal growths.
Awareness campaigns tied to World Ovarian Cancer Day aim to help people recognize early warning signs and push for testing when they suspect a problem. By spreading awareness, these campaigns bring ovarian cancer to the forefront. If you’ve been putting off a discussion with your doctor, World Ovarian Cancer Day is a good reminder to take action.
One of the biggest challenges is that the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be mistaken for common problems, like digestive issues. For example, some people with ovarian cancer experience:
These symptoms can look like a food intolerance or a hormone issue. Ovarian cancer isn’t always considered as a possible cause, especially at first. But events like World Ovarian Cancer Day help put ovarian cancer on the radar of people who have suspicious symptoms.
On the same note, it’s important not to panic or assume the worst if you have these symptoms. Instead, ask your healthcare provider about your risk for ovarian cancer and whether more testing makes sense.
Another major barrier is that some people don’t notice any symptoms until ovarian cancer has started to spread. That’s why knowing your risk factors is another crucial aspect of awareness.
Common risk factors for ovarian cancer include:
Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed after menopause. But it’s not limited to older people only. Younger people can develop ovarian cancer, especially certain types of the disease.
Because of this, symptoms should be taken seriously for people of all ages. Assuming someone is “too young” can delay diagnosis and care.
You also have a higher risk if other people in your family have had ovarian cancer or breast cancer. Specific genetic mutations, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are linked to a higher ovarian cancer risk. Some people choose to get genetic testing to learn more about their inherited risks.
World Ovarian Cancer Day helps spread awareness about these family links. It can spark conversations with your relatives about your family history and help your other family members understand their risks too.
Education is a central focus of World Ovarian Cancer Day. Acting quickly on early warning signs and known risk factors can affect your outcomes.
There’s no surefire way to prevent ovarian cancer. For every 91 women in the U.S., one will eventually develop ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Researchers predict that in 2026, over 21,000 women in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed and over 12,000 women will die from the disease. Fortunately, the rates of new diagnoses and deaths from ovarian cancer have been improving over the years.
In the U.S., there’s just a 20 percent chance of getting diagnosed with ovarian cancer during its early stages. However, getting diagnosed early is associated with a 94 percent chance of survival over the five years that follow.
That survival rate decreases as the cancer spreads further throughout the body. That’s why it’s important to remember that early diagnosis saves lives.
Ovarian cancer isn’t just one disease. It includes several subtypes based on which ovarian cells are impacted. The most common type of ovarian cancer, called epithelial ovarian cancer, starts on the surface of the ovaries. The fallopian tubes or the lining of the abdomen may also be affected.
Ovarian cancer may also develop in the egg (germ) cells or hormone-producing (stromal) cells. These types are considered more rare. Treatment and predicted outcomes differ based on the type of ovarian cancer.
World Ovarian Cancer Day promotes better outcomes for individuals with ovarian cancer. It encourages people to talk about this issue openly with their loved ones and healthcare providers.
Advocacy also drives progress in research and healthcare policy. Increased funding can lead to better tools to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer. Ultimately, this can lead to higher survival rates and a better quality of life after diagnosis.
Community support reduces isolation that can happen when someone gets diagnosed with cancer. It moves ovarian cancer from a private family problem to something the greater community can get behind and support.
Despite ongoing efforts, ovarian cancer awareness still lags behind. Many people are unfamiliar with its symptoms or assume that routine trips to the gynecologist will detect it early. However, too often, this isn’t the case.
Research supported by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition found that just 26 percent of women in low and middle-income countries knew about ovarian cancer before getting diagnosed with it. While awareness in the U.S. may be higher, there’s still a lot of work to be done around the world.
World Ovarian Cancer Day promotes the sharing of accurate information, making it accessible to people across the globe. It encourages conversations that might not otherwise happen, especially in places where women’s health isn’t as openly discussed.
Increasing awareness isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about action. It’s a call to listen to your body, ask questions, and advocate for your health.
Advances in ovarian cancer research and treatment options are continuing to expand. Awareness will ensure that these advancements continue.
On MyOvarianCancerTeam, people share their experiences with ovarian cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
What does World Ovarian Cancer Day mean to you? Let others know in the comments below.
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