Raising Awareness for Ovarian Cancer

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and at BASS Cancer Center, we’re proud to raise awareness by wearing teal and encouraging women to learn the symptoms of this silent but serious disease.

While ovarian cancer only accounts for 3% of all cancers in women, it has the highest mortality rate among gynecologic cancers. One major reason? It’s often diagnosed late, when it’s harder to treat. The good news is that when caught early, ovarian cancer is highly treatable.

Ovarian Cancer: Key Statistics

• Approximately 22,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
• Around 50% of cases occur in women over age 63.
• The 5-year survival rate when detected at stage I is over 90%.
• When diagnosed at stage IV, survival drops to about 25%.
  (Source: National Cancer Institute)

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in early stages, but you should speak to your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• Frequent urination or urinary urgency
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Abnormal bleeding or irregular periods
• Fatigue, back pain, or digestive issues like constipation
• Nausea or vomiting

Who Is Most at Risk?

Ovarian cancer is more common in:

• Postmenopausal women
• Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
• Those with certain genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Women who have never been pregnant

There are no reliable screening tests for ovarian cancer yet, so paying attention to your body and symptoms is critical.

Can Ovarian Cancer Be Prevented?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, some studies suggest that oral contraceptives, pregnancy, and breastfeeding may lower risk. However, these are personal choices and should be discussed with a doctor.

Maintaining regular annual visits with your OB/GYN or primary care provider is one of the best ways to stay informed about your reproductive health.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Early detection significantly improves outcomes. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with your doctor.

At BASS Cancer Center, our team of board-certified specialists, including Dr. Dimitry Lerner, is dedicated to providing advanced screening, diagnostics, and compassionate treatment for ovarian cancer and other gynecologic conditions.

What You Can Do Today

• Speak to your doctor if you have symptoms
• Encourage loved ones to seek care early
• Schedule your annual wellness visit
• Wear teal during September to support ovarian cancer awareness

Expert Ovarian Cancer Care at BASS Cancer Center

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your risk for ovarian cancer, Dr. Lerner and the team at the BASS Cancer Center are here to help.

• Schedule an Appointment
• Learn More About BASS Cancer Center