World Ovarian Cancer Day, 8 May 2024 | Importance, Theme & History

World Ovarian Cancer Day is a global healthcare event commemorated every year on May 8th to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. On this day, many local and international organisations step up together to create awareness about the disease, the importance of early diagnosis and screening.

Importance of World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD)

Ovarian cancer was reported as the third most common gynaecological cancer worldwide in 2020, with a global count of 3,13,959 new cases. It is the eighth most common cause of death from cancer globally, and more than two lakhs die from this ailment every year around the world. According to GLOBCAN 2020, globally, the number of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and deaths will increase by 42% and 50%, respectively, by 2040. The estimated hike in numbers depicts the severity of the condition, which might be due to a lack of disease awareness and late diagnosis.

Only approximately 20% of women receive an early ovarian cancer diagnosis (while it is in stage I or II) before its eventual progression. Early detection of ovarian cancer is difficult as it is often asymptomatic, or the symptoms might mimic other diseases. In addition, unlike developed countries, middle and underdeveloped countries lack access to reliable screening procedures, strategies, infrastructure and advanced treatment that ensure curbing the disease progression.

Globally, two-thirds of women with ovarian cancer who were diagnosed or dead were from low- or middle-income nations. These areas suffer from lack of awareness, where not every woman knows bloating or a sudden urge to urinate could be a potential symptom of ovarian cancer and may do not have complete access to an advanced screening, diagnosis and treatment modalities. Many still believe in false perceptions that a pap smear test can diagnose ovarian cancer. The need for disease (ovarian cancer) awareness is top-notch. To fulfil this lacuna, World Ovarian Cancer Day lays a global platform where several government and private organisations unite to reinforce the importance of ovarian cancer awareness with an annual theme.

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2024 Theme

This year, 2024, the World Ovarian Cancer Day theme is “No Woman Left Behind”, which continues a multiyear campaign theme by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC), a non-profit organization. This theme was focused on advocating and drawing the attention of policymakers regarding the dissimilarity existing in ovarian cancer care around the world.

Goals of the "No Woman Left Behind" Theme:

• To educate about ovarian cancer globally, especially in countries that are underdeveloped and underserved.
• A call to bring all global leaders to a single platform to invest in ovarian cancer research and development.
• To promote and enable the reach of effective screening and treatment for ovarian cancer to prevent any further complications.
• Educating and empowering every woman about their own ovarian health and, in case of any warning symptoms, seeking medical attention.

On this day, oncologists, gynaecologists, and other local public (patients or ovarian cancer survivors or caretakers) would step up and share their stories on social media platforms emphasising symptoms and the importance of having mental strength in combating the disease. 

In addition, the government and cancer support healthcare organisations conduct ovarian cancer screening campaigns, providing knowledge about symptoms, screening, and disease severity, especially in rural areas with minimal access. In some areas, people participate in ovarian cancer awareness rallies and enlighten people about the importance of early detection and timely screening. 

History of World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD)

The first World Ovarian Cancer Day was launched by Target Ovarian Cancer (charity organisation) in the year 2013. Target Ovarian Cancer is the world's largest cancer charity that funds life-saving research and provides assistance to women undergoing treatment, which was first incorporated in the year 2008. World Ovarian Cancer Day grew in popularity in the years after 2013. Target Ovarian Cancer presently collaborates with over a hundred ovarian cancer charities in over 32 countries.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer 

Early-stage ovarian cancer is asymptomatic; however, if the illness has progressed, women are more prone to develop the following symptoms, such as 

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating (feeling full quickly)
• Sudden urge to urinate
  

Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

Although there is currently no means to prevent ovarian cancer, the following factors have been linked to a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer:

• Usage of birth control pills for more than five years
• Breastfeeding
• Giving birth
• Undergoing surgical procedures such as hysterectomy, tubal ligation or bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries)

Department of Oncology