This September, join ovarian cancer advocates across the country for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month through the #IWishIKnew campaign.
Download the #IWishIKnew toolkit
In honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this September, SHARE, along with other ovarian cancer nonprofits, is highlighting the voices of ovarian cancer survivors and patients speaking out on what they wish the public knew about ovarian cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, over 20,000 new ovarian cancer cases will be reported this year, and 14,000 of those women will die from the disease. The #IWishIKnew campaign strives to educate women on the symptoms, statistics, facts, and myths in hopes that it will help decrease the number of higher-stage cancer diagnoses, along with the number of deaths each year, due to ovarian cancer. Survivors, patients, advocates, friends, family and more are encouraged to post on social media using the hashtag #IWishIKnew all throughout September to share important information with the public.
"Never hold back a single symptom from your doctor for fear of being a complainer. It may be the single symptom the leads her or him to make a correct, timely diagnosis."
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer are often overlooked, as they can be synonymous with common occurrences, like a woman's menstrual cycle. These are generally known as symptoms that are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer compared to the general population:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
- Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often
If you experience any of these symptoms over longer periods of time, talk to your doctor about your likelihood of developing ovarian cancer.
"Ovarian cancer is not totally silent. It whispers and needs to be heard. Don't ignore any symptom, no matter how vague. Listen to your body."
There are a lot of common misconceptions surrounding ovarian cancer that mislead the public, one of which is that a pap smear test can diagnose ovarian cancer. Currently, there is no reliable screening to detect ovarian cancer.
"There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer, and we need one!"
SHARE is also offering a number of educational programs during Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, both online and in-person at our Manhattan office. Make sure to join us for some of these informative programs for even more opportunities to learn about ovarian cancer, or share them with a loved one today:
New Developments in Ovarian Cancer Surgery
Wednesday, September 4, 1-2pm ET
Surgery is an essential part of ovarian cancer treatment, and there are always new developments. In this webinar, John Chan, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at UCSF, will explain in lay terms various topics on ovarian cancer surgery, from laparotomy to timing and staging of surgery to understanding the IP vs IV chemo debate.
Topic-Driven Round Table on Ovarian Cancer
Wednesday, September 11, 1-2:30pm ET
Women with ovarian cancer can join Julie Larson, LCSW and peers via video or phone to learn about and discuss “Fear of Recurrence” as it pertains to ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Double Program
Thursday, September 19, 5:30-9pm
Advancements in Ovarian Cancer Screening and Treatment Presentation
Gynecologic oncologist Douglas A. Levine, MD of NYU Langone Health will discuss the latest breakthroughs in screening, treatment, and disease management for ovarian cancer.
Followed directly by
Ovarian Cancer Survivor Celebration
Whether you are a seasoned SHARE volunteer, a helpline caller, or a one-time program attendee, all are welcome to come and celebrate survivorship and mingle with other women who know what you’re going through.
Ask a Gyn-Onc Anything
Tuesday, September 24, 2-3pm ET
Sign on to our HealthUnlocked ovarian cancer community and have your questions answered live by Dr. Eloise Chapman-Davis, MD, gynecologic oncologist at Weill Cornell.
Sign up for any of these educational programs on our website here.
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