Submitted
Ovarian cancer, often dubbed the “silent killer,” remains one of the most insidious and challenging forms of cancer affecting women today. Despite significant advancements in medical technology and cancer treatments, ovarian cancer continues to be diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are more limited and survival rates decrease dramatically.
A disease that whispers before it roars
Unlike many other cancers, ovarian cancer rarely presents obvious symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they’re often vague and easily attributed to more common conditions. Bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, and frequent urination are among the most reported early signs – but because these are symptoms many women experience from time to time, they’re frequently overlooked.
The numbers behind the diagnosis
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 19,680 women in the United States will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer this year, and approximately 12,740 will die from the disease. It ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
Most women are diagnosed after the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries, primarily because effective screening tools are lacking. Currently, there’s no reliable routine screening test for ovarian cancer – a stark contrast to breast or cervical cancer.
Hope through research & resilience
While the prognosis for late-stage ovarian cancer remains challenging, advances in treatment are offering new hope. Targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and maintenance treatments like PARP inhibitors have extended survival for many women. Clinical trials continue to explore innovative options, from personalized cancer vaccines to precision medicine based on a patient’s genetic profile.
For survivors and their families, the journey is both physical and emotional.
Terri Bianchini, an ovarian cancer survivor and advocate, said, “You never expect to hear those words ‘you have ovarian cancer.’ It rattles you to the core. But I made a decision early on that cancer would never define me; it would reveal me. To mark my journey, I had a dragonfly with a teal ribbon tattooed on my wrist, with the words, ‘stronger than the storm.’ It reminds me every day of the fight I’ve endured, the community that lifted me, and the hope that still lives in every survivor’s heart.”
That sense of community is vital – and one organization working tirelessly to build it is Ovar’coming Together, a dedicated Indiana-based nonprofit support organization for ovarian cancer warriors. Founded by survivors for survivors, Ovar’coming Together offers education, advocacy, financial support programs, and a safe, compassionate space for those navigating life after diagnosis. Through survivor meet-ups, care packages, and public awareness campaigns, they remind women facing ovarian cancer that they are never alone in the fight.
“The support from Ovar’coming Together has been a lifeline for me,” said Bianchini, who also serves on the Board of Directors. “Knowing there’s a network of women who truly understand this journey makes every hard day a little easier.”
What every woman should know
While ovarian cancer can affect women of all ages, it is most common in women over 50. Certain genetic factors, like mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, significantly increase risk. Women with a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer should discuss genetic counseling and testing with their healthcare provider.
Key recommendations for women include:
- Know your family history – and share it with your doctor.
- Listen to your body – don’t ignore persistent, unexplained symptoms.
- Advocate for yourself – if you feel something is wrong, push for answers.
A call for greater awareness
September marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time when survivors, families, and advocacy organizations unite to shine a light on this often-overlooked disease. Support groups, fundraising events, and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in promoting education and funding research.
You are invited to join ovarian cancer survivors and supporters as they “Turn the Canal Teal” on Sept. 9 at the Indiana Historical Society and in the Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 13 on the beautiful Butler University campus.
For more information about turning the Canal Teal, the Run/Walk, ovarian cancer, risk factors, and resources for support, visit Ovar’coming Together’s website at ovariancancerin.org.