September means fall is around the corner. September also means Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As an oncology nurse, I know how crucial it is to use this as a teachable moment, especially because ovarian cancer is known as a “silent killer.”

ovarian cancer awareness

When ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated early, the five-year survival rate is 92%. Fantastic, right? But a mere 20% are caught before the cancer has spread. The good news is that 50% of women diagnosed with the disease are alive at five years post-diagnosis, a marked improvement from 30 years ago when it was only 10-20 years. Even with improvements in treatment and clinical trials, ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than all other gynecological cancers combined.

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, so it’s important to know about symptoms to look for. Common symptoms, such as appetite changes and bloating, could also be symptoms of many other things. Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and vague, often times ignored. Currently, there are no screening tests for the early detection of ovarian cancer, and it is not detected by a routine Pap smear.

Symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, changes in bowel/bladder habits, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and digestive problems. These symptoms are generally present for two to three weeks with no other explanation for them.

Risk factors include a family history of cancer (especially breast or ovarian), never being pregnant, hormone replacement therapy, women with a positive family history of the BRCA-1 or -2 gene, and being over the age of 55.

There are some factors that can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, hysterectomy/tubal ligation, and using birth control pills.

Being aware is the first step. Supporting the cause is another. Every year the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition holds a 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer at Carson Beach in South Boston. It is an inspiring walk along the water with survivors, their families, and supporters. I walked a few years ago with my mom in honor of her good friend who lost her battle to this terrible disease.

With continued research, an early diagnostic tool and better treatments will be found for the many women who are diagnosed each year. Hopefully, one day ovarian cancer will be history.