Together, we can raise awareness, support those impacted, and drive change.
Every year on May 8, people around the world come together for World Ovarian Cancer Day. This global movement raises awareness, promotes education, and supports individuals and families affected by ovarian cancer.
At the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), this day is an opportunity to educate, empower, and ensure that no one faces ovarian cancer alone.
World Ovarian Cancer Day is an international awareness day dedicated to increasing understanding of ovarian cancer and improving outcomes for those affected.
This global effort brings together survivors, caregivers, advocates, and organizations to:
Our bodies often send signals—but they can be easy to overlook.
This video shares the stories of ovarian cancer survivors and highlights how subtle, persistent symptoms are often mistaken for everyday conditions. It also reinforces an important message: when something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to speak up and advocate for your health.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect early. Symptoms can be vague, and there is currently no reliable screening or early detection test.
As a result, many cases are diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment can be more complex.
Awareness helps change that.
By recognizing symptoms earlier and encouraging conversations with healthcare providers, we can help improve outcomes and support those impacted.
Source: American Cancer Society
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and can be confused with common abdominal or digestive issues. Paying attention to changes in your body and speaking with your doctor is an important step if symptoms persist.
Common symptoms include:
Persistent bloating that does not come and go can be a symptom of ovarian cancer. If it feels unusual for your body and occurs frequently, it’s important to pay attention.
Ongoing discomfort, pressure, or pain in the pelvic or abdominal area should not be ignored. This type of pain may feel different from typical cramps or digestive issues.
Feeling full after eating only a small amount or having a loss of appetite can be a sign. If this happens often and is not typical for you, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
A sudden need to urinate more often or feeling unable to hold urine may be a symptom. Changes that are persistent and not explained by other conditions should be evaluated.
If these symptoms are new, frequent, or ongoing, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Gwen experienced symptoms like extreme fatigue and changes in her body that didn’t feel urgent at first—but were early warning signs.
Hear how her experience highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms and speaking up.
Ovarian cancer can affect anyone with ovaries. However, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Understanding your personal risk can help guide more informed conversations with your healthcare provider and support proactive decisions about your health.
These can include:
A family history of breast cancer or colorectal cancer is also linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. An inherited gene mutation can cause all three cancers and increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are examples of two genes everyone has that prevent cells from growing too fast. When these or other related genes develop a change, or mutation, they don’t work the way they’re supposed to. If that happens, cells can grow out of control, leading to ovarian or other types of cancer.
The risk of getting ovarian cancer increases with age. Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause—in the US, the average age of menopause is 51. The majority of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 55 or older.
Endometriosis and some reproductive factors may increase ovarian cancer risk. Knowing your history can help support more informed discussions with your healthcare provider.
Understanding your risk can help guide informed decisions about your health. Learn more about the risk factors for ovarian cancer.
Many people assume they are being routinely screened for ovarian cancer—but that isn’t the case.
Dr. Richard breaks down common misconceptions about risk, the importance of family history, and why advocating for yourself is essential.
Awareness is an important first step—but action is what drives change.
World Ovarian Cancer Day is an opportunity to turn knowledge into impact. Whether you’re learning more about your health, supporting someone affected, or helping raise awareness in your community, there are meaningful ways to get involved.
Start conversations and advocate for your health with the right tools. This resource helps you recognize symptoms, prepare for appointments, and support others.
Wear teal and show your support with our limited-edition World Ovarian Cancer Day t-shirt. Every purchase helps raise awareness and supports the mission.
Your gift helps fund programs, resources, and support for individuals and families affected by ovarian cancer. Every donation makes a difference.
Be part of a community event that raises awareness and honors those impacted by ovarian cancer. Find a run or walk near you.
Create your own event to raise awareness or funds. From small gatherings to larger fundraisers, every effort helps expand support.
Taking action starts with having the right tools.
When you sign up, you will receive NOCC’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness & Communication Toolkit—designed to help you advocate for your health and engage in meaningful conversations.
Ovarian cancer awareness is not just about learning—it’s about taking action.
This toolkit helps you:
Want to feel more confident advocating for your health or supporting someone else?
Get your free toolkit and start the conversation today.
No one should face ovarian cancer alone—but support goes beyond resources. It starts with community and action.
At NOCC, we take a community-first approach to care—meeting individuals where they are and supporting them at every stage of their journey. From diagnosis through survivorship, our programs are designed to ensure patients and caregivers feel informed, supported, and connected.
Want to find support?
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed annually on May 8 to raise awareness and support those affected by ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage. Awareness helps individuals recognize symptoms earlier and seek care.
Teal is the official color of ovarian cancer awareness.
Common symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and urinary changes.
You can raise awareness, wear teal, support someone affected, or participate in events and advocacy efforts.
© 2026 National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
