Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated on September 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you need know about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

📅 What day is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2024?

In 2024, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is on Friday, September 1st. It is the 1st Friday in September; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all intriguing details and facts about September 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each September, we observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to bring attention to this disease. Ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect as it may not show any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are often mistaken for other health issues. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can greatly improve survival rates and save lives. Although screening for ovarian cancer is challenging, blood tests and pelvic imaging are currently the most effective diagnostic methods available.

📜 Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month History

In 1956, researchers at M.D. Anderson started using a drug called melphalan to treat patients with advanced ovarian cancer. They found that this drug reduced tumors in six out of seven patients. In 1966, it was discovered that melphalan could actually cure the cancer, as 13 patients had a positive response to the treatment and showed no signs of tumors. As a result, chemotherapy was stopped for these patients and only two of them experienced a recurrence later on.

During the 1970s, patients who did not respond to melphalan had no other treatment options. However, in 1976, a report from the United Kingdom stated that one in every four patients responded to a drug called cisplatin, although it did not provide a cure for the tumor. This marked the beginning of a new era in ovarian cancer treatment.

In 1978, Griffiths and Fuller conducted a study that supported the use of debulking surgery. They found that patients who underwent this surgery and had residual disease smaller than 1.6 cm in diameter survived for an average of 40 months. On the other hand, patients with residual disease larger than 1.5 cm did not live for more than 40 months. This research provided evidence for the effectiveness of debulking surgery in improving survival rates for ovarian cancer patients.

✅ Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Facts

🔖 Pregnancy and birth control pills lower risk
Research has indicated that both carrying a pregnancy to full term and using birth control pills can decrease the chances of certain risks.

🔖 It is diagnosed with a biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of unusual tissue is taken to determine if cancer is present and to confirm the diagnosis.

🔖 It doesn’t always start in the ovaries
Most cases of ovarian cancer originate in the fallopian tube before spreading to the ovaries.

👍 Why Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Important

This month is devoted to those affected by ovarian cancer. We can urge them to tell others about their experiences.

This month is dedicated to raising awareness of the early signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. This enables individuals to act sooner rather than later.

People receive therapy and have a second shot at life as a result of an early diagnosis. People can go about their daily activities.

🙂 How To Observe Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

⚡ Volunteer
Various walks and races are held nationwide with the purpose of aiding and providing support to individuals who are vulnerable to ovarian cancer. Nowadays, there is a multitude of online activities to choose from. Consider becoming a volunteer to help raise funds that can contribute to the treatment of patients in need.

⚡ Read up
Gain knowledge about the factors that contribute to ovarian cancer and recognize the initial signs that serve as warnings. Understand the risk factors that make individuals more susceptible to the disease and explore ways in which you can offer support and assistance.

⚡ Spread awareness
Increase knowledge and understanding among individuals regarding the initial indicators and symptoms, ensuring they are well-informed about the correct course of action and steps to take upon receiving a diagnosis.

📅 When is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?

Explore all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. So be sure to check back soon.