Shine a Light on Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, risk factors, inherited risk, and the need for better early detection and treatment options. Throughout the month, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) invites survivors, caregivers, families, advocates, and communities to wear teal, share resources, fundraise, and take action.
Why does ovarian cancer awareness matter?
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. Because symptoms are often vague and difficult to recognize, it’s usually diagnosed at a later stage. While detecting ovarian cancer in its early stages can improve outcomes, it’s not always possible. This September, join us in raising awareness, supporting research, and standing with everyone affected by ovarian cancer. Together, we can work toward a future with better tools, better treatments, and better outcomes.
Here’s why awareness matters:
- Ovarian cancer symptoms are often vague and misdiagnosed. Recognizing the signs and understanding risk factors can help improve outcomes.
- There is no screening or early detection test, which makes education and advocacy even more important.
- Awareness leads to funding, research, and access to life-changing support and care.
Get your ovarian cancer awareness toolkit
Whether you’re raising awareness in your community, at work, or online, our free toolkit makes it easy to get involved during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and beyond.
Inside the toolkit, you’ll find:
- Eight simple ways to shine a light on ovarian cancer.
- A ready-to-use Social Media Toolkit with graphics and captions.
- Resources to learn the signs and symptoms, understand your risk, and know your family history.
- Tools to start conversations, track symptoms, and explore stories from survivors and experts.
Wear Teal Day
Teal is the official color of ovarian cancer awareness, representing courage, strength, and hope. Each year, we recognize Wear Teal Day as a powerful kickoff to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
In 2026, Wear Teal Day takes place on Friday, September 4.
On this day, we unite in teal to:
- Honor survivors and remember those we’ve lost
- Spark conversations about ovarian cancer signs and risk factors
- Show support for individuals and families impacted by the disease
- Raise awareness and inspire others to take action
Whether you’re at work, at school, or online, wearing teal makes a visible statement—and it only takes one spark to start a life-saving conversation.
Learn more about Wear Teal Day
Wearing teal is a simple but powerful way to show support during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Learn how Wear Teal Day helps raise awareness, honor those impacted, and start meaningful conversations.
Wear the awareness month tee
Show your support all month long with our limited-edition Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month collection. Every piece helps spark conversations, raise awareness, and shine a light on ovarian cancer.
NOCC x Little Words Project Collab
Our Teal Strong bracelet with Little Words Project honors the strength, resilience, and hope of everyone impacted by ovarian cancer. For every bracelet sold, $5 is donated to the NOCC.
Join a Together in TEAL Run/Walk
Be part of something powerful by joining a Together in TEAL run/walk, our signature event that unites communities nationwide in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Together in TEAL events bring together survivors, caregivers, families, and advocates to:
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Raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors
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Celebrate the strength and resilience of those impacted
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Honor loved ones lost
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Fuel vital programs, education, and research
Whether you walk, run, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, you’ll be making a real impact. Every step supports better outcomes and stronger communities.
Find an event and register today
Fundraise your way
Want to make an impact your own way? Through our DIY fundraising platform, you can turn any activity into a powerful way to support the ovarian cancer community.
Whether you organize a fitness challenge, bake sale, tribute event, or survivor gathering, your event can:
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Raise critical funds for education, research, and support programs
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Help spread awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors
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Inspire your community to take action and learn more
Make a donation
When you make a donation to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, you’re doing more than giving money, you’re giving the gift of awareness, education, and life-saving support.
Your generous contribution helps us:
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Educate the public about ovarian cancer signs, symptoms, and risk factors
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Provide direct support services to patients, survivors, and caregivers
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Fund innovative research for earlier detection and better treatments
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Reach underserved communities through outreach and awareness campaigns
Every dollar brings us closer to a world where no one faces ovarian cancer alone.
Donate today
Volunteer and make an impact
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition relies on passionate, dedicated volunteers to help raise awareness, support survivors, and drive meaningful change in communities across the country.
As a volunteer, you can:
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Support local awareness events and Together in TEAL run/walks
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Help educate others about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
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Assist with outreach efforts and fundraising campaigns
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Provide encouragement and connection to survivors and caregivers
No matter your skills or schedule, there’s a role for you. Your time and energy can make a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by ovarian cancer.
Become a volunteer
Shining a light on communities
Across the country, individuals, landmarks, and entire communities are coming together to raise awareness, honor those impacted by ovarian cancer, and shine a light on hope. Whether it’s lighting buildings in teal or sharing powerful personal stories, these acts of awareness are helping to educate others and inspire change.
This September, we are proud to recognize the people and places making ovarian cancer awareness visible in communities nationwide.
Landmarks across the country are lighting up teal
Across the United States, landmarks, buildings, bridges, and monuments are lighting up in teal throughout September in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
These teal-lit landmarks serve as powerful reminders of the importance of awareness, early detection, and support for those impacted by ovarian cancer. From city skylines to historic monuments, each location helps spark important conversations and brings visibility to a disease that often goes undetected until it is advanced.
You can explore our interactive map to see which landmarks are participating in your state. Plan a visit, take a photo, and share it on social media using the hashtag #KnowOvarian to help spread awareness in your community.
Wanting to light a landmark teal in your community? Read our blog to learn how!
Stories of inspiration
Every story has the power to educate, uplift, and connect. Throughout Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we are highlighting the incredible individuals who are making a difference in their communities.
Each of these advocates is shining a light on ovarian cancer by sharing their journey, raising awareness, and supporting others through action, compassion, and leadership.
Swipe through to read their stories and see how one voice can spark lasting impact.
Have a story to share? We invite you to submit your own story and help inspire hope, raise awareness, and remind others they are not alone.
Paula and Nancy's Story
Learn how Paula and Nancy turned survivorship into advocacy, co-founding the NOCC Central Maryland Chapter, and built a strong community of advocacy and support.
Read Paula and Nancy's story
Joseph's Story
Discover how Joseph found strength, faith, and community support while caring for his wife through ovarian cancer.
Read Joseph's story
Jennifer's Story
Jennifer’s ovarian cancer survivor story shows how clinical trial participation not only gave her hope but also helps shape the future of treatment for others.
Read Jennifer's story
Jason's Story
After losing his mother to ovarian cancer, Jason Moultrie turned grief into a lifelong mission to honor her legacy and support others through the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
Read Jason's story
About National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September is recognized as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (NOCAM). It is a time to educate, advocate, and take meaningful action against the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. Public understanding of ovarian cancer remains limited, with many people unaware of the symptoms, risk factors, or that there is currently no early detection test. That is why raising awareness each September is so important.
This month of advocacy did not always exist. It grew from years of persistence and leadership within the ovarian cancer community. In 1998, President Bill Clinton proclaimed a week in September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Week, marking an important first step in bringing national attention to the disease. By 2000, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) recognized the need for broader education and visibility and expanded the observance into a month-long commitment to awareness. In 2001, President George W. Bush formally proclaimed September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, cementing it as an annual observance.
Today, NOCC honors this history by leading nationwide efforts in education, advocacy, support, and research funding. Each September, survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities join together to:
- Educate the public about ovarian cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the urgent need for early detection
- Elevate survivor and caregiver voices to foster connection, understanding, and hope
- Engage communities through awareness campaigns, events, and resources
- Raise funds to support life-saving programs, services, and research for those affected
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign. It is a call to action. Together, we can honor those we have lost, support those still fighting, and work toward a future where no one loses their life to ovarian cancer.
Thanks to our dedicated sponsors for their support
This program is made possible by individuals and partners dedicated to providing learning opportunities and a platform for our TEAL community to be inspired.
