Sangamon Sun

May 8th is recognized as World Ovarian Cancer Day, a day established in 2013 by leaders from various advocacy organizations to unite efforts in raising awareness and combating ovarian cancer. This type of cancer, which forms in the ovaries, is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to its vague symptoms that often progress before detection. It ranks among the deadliest cancers for women alongside lung and breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society's estimates for 2025 indicate that approximately 20,890 women in the United States will be newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and about 12,730 women are expected to die from it.

Two primary challenges contribute to the difficulty of diagnosing ovarian cancer: the absence of effective screenings and unclear early symptoms. Unlike breast or colorectal cancers, there is no routine screening or well-known symptom that can easily identify ovarian cancer. The disease cannot be detected through a pelvic exam or pap smear. Its symptoms often mimic minor health issues, and tests required for an official diagnosis are costly and typically not conducted unless further screening is deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

Women who are eventually diagnosed with ovarian cancer usually undergo multiple screenings before receiving a diagnosis. Unlike other cancers that present distinct symptoms early on, ovarian cancer's subtle signs lead to delayed or misguided screenings. Because these symptoms may seem trivial rather than alarming, patients might not seek medical attention promptly.

Screening begins when a doctor decides what tests to perform based on vague symptoms. Initial steps include physical exams and blood work; if abnormalities arise, further testing such as CT or PET scans and possibly surgery follows—this process ultimately leads to diagnosis.

Post-diagnosis treatment plans vary depending on the stage and type of ovarian cancer but generally involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or combinations thereof. Survival rates hinge on how advanced the disease is at diagnosis; currently, women have about a 52% chance of surviving five years post-diagnosis.

Despite limited information on faster diagnostic methods for ovarian cancer, research has progressed significantly over time. Advances in genetic testing along with improved chemotherapy options offer more choices today than previously available. Since 1976 there has been a reported 43% decrease in deaths related to this disease according to data from the American Cancer Society—with notable progress since mid-2000s advancements.

On World Ovarian Cancer Day it remains crucial for women everywhere not only learn about potential risks associated with developing this illness but also advocate actively during medical consultations regarding their health concerns.