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Women, who play a vital role in the creation of humankind, often suffer from specific diseases that affect their reproductive health. One such inconspicuous disease is ovarian cancer, which remains undetected for years. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women globally, with over 324,000 women diagnosed so far. Additionally, it is the eighth most common cause of cancer-related death among women globally, with 207,000 deaths occurring every year.
To raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and treatment, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition has dedicated an entire day to this disease, World Ovarian Cancer Day.
This article will explain in detail the significance of World Ovarian Cancer Day and how to fight ovarian cancer.
What is the Significance of World Ovarian Cancer Day?
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on May 8th every year. This global awareness day aims to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and educate people about its symptoms and risks. In 2013, leaders from various global ovarian cancer advocacy organisations, led by Target Ovarian Cancer, sought to establish an awareness day for this gynecologic cancer. Consequently, World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD) was officially declared on May 8th, 2013, to raise global awareness, promote early diagnosis, and unite communities in the worldwide fight against this cancer.
What are the Objectives of World Ovarian Cancer Day?
Globally, World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and educate people about its symptoms and treatment. This important day serves the following objectives:
- Increasing awareness of ovarian cancer.
- Sharing information about symptoms and risks.
- Support for those affected by ovarian cancer.
- Emphasis on research and improved treatments.
What is the Theme for World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025?
The theme for World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025 is “No Woman Left Behind.” To accomplish the goal of touching the lives of all the women affected by ovarian cancer worldwide, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition has raised the cause of ovarian cancer patients in over 50 world languages and has performed activities in 95% of the world’s countries.
How to Participate in World Ovarian Cancer Day?
You can actively raise awareness about ovarian cancer by participating in the following activities:
- Educational campaigns and events.
- Running social media campaigns using hashtags like #WorldOvarianCancerDay and #WOCD2025.
- Fundraising for research and support services.
- Sharing personal stories and experiences.
What are the Common Ovarian Cancer Symptoms?
Ovarian cancer may be detected if the following symptoms are experienced:
- Bloating: Persistent bloating that doesn't go away.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or abdomen.
- Trouble eating: Feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating.
- Urinary symptoms: Feeling an urgent need to urinate more often or having urinary changes.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, trouble eating, or urinary issues, you should immediately seek medical attention for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the Factors Responsible for Ovarian Cancer?
Several factors contribute to the development of ovarian cancer:
- Family History: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- Age Factor: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, especially during perimenopause or after menopause. Know more about perimenopause.
- Chronic Virginity: Never having conceived increases the risk of ovarian cancer. This may be related to the continuous ovulation process until menopause, and the potential risk posed by unfertilised eggs in the uterus.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Fertility treatments involving hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Obesity: If obesity is triggered by a hormonal disorder, such as thyroid, it can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
What are the Ways of Ovarian Cancer Treatment?
Below are various advanced approaches for complete ovarian cancer treatment:
- Surgery: Surgical methods are used to remove tumours, often from the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: More advanced medication is administered to target specific molecules involved in malignant cell growth.
- Hormone Therapy: This therapy is used to remove blocks or reduce hormones that may fuel cancer growth.
- Radiation Therapy: High-power rays are used to kill cancer cells. However, radiation therapy is less commonly used for ovarian cancer compared to other treatment types.
What has been the Overall Impact of World Ovarian Cancer Day?
The combined efforts of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, along with various national ovarian cancer organisations and cancer research institutions in multiple countries, have made a far-reaching impact in fighting ovarian cancer.
- The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition has reported that WOCD 2024 witnessed a global increase in followers across all social media handles.
- The organisation saw outstanding engagement on all its social media posts.
- Besides, Facebook and Instagram helped expand global outreach in 2023. Instagram alone saw a tremendous 227% increase in reach.
How to be Prepared Against the Fight Against Ovarian Cancer?
The fight against ovarian cancer starts with you. Take charge of your health and take steps to protect yourself from the harmful effects of this disease:
- Educate Yourself and Society: Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of ovarian cancer: bloating, pelvic pain, etc.
- Regular Checkups: Schedule routine pelvic exams and discussions with your doctor about ovarian cancer risk.
- Family History: Know your family's medical history, especially regarding cancer incidence.
- Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
- Support Groups: Connect with others affected by ovarian cancer for emotional and informational support.
- Professional Help: Seek guidance from oncologists, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals.
- Information Sources: Stay informed about the latest research and treatment options.
Besides all the directives listed above, you must be financially prepared against cancer to lead a stress-free life. Hence, you need to have advanced cancer insurance to cover all types of cancer treatment.
Shield Yourself Against Cancer with Cancer Insurance
Despite living a healthy lifestyle and keeping track of health through regular checkups, one can never be sure about being free from the risk of developing cancer symptoms. Certain factors, such as family history and genetic factors behind cancer, are beyond anyone’s control. Once it is diagnosed, ovarian cancer treatment can engulf a significant chunk of your savings. Hence, it is essential to have a critical illness insurance plan that covers all types of cancers. Besides, while choosing an appropriate cancer insurance plan, looking for benefits like waiting period modification is essential to ensure fast coverage.
>> Also Read: Common Symptoms of Cancer
Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.
