Every September, Wear Teal Day encourages individuals and communities to wear teal in support of ovarian cancer awareness. Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, healthcare professional, or ally, wearing teal is a powerful way to honor those affected and raise visibility for a disease that too often goes unnoticed.
What is Wear Teal Day?
Wear Teal Day is observed on the first Friday of September during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Teal is the official color of ovarian cancer awareness. It represents strength, hope, and unity.
On this day, people across the country wear teal clothing and accessories to start conversations, raise awareness, and promote the importance of early detection, research, and survivor support.
This year, Wear Teal Day falls on September 5, 2025.
Why teal matters
Unfortunately, ovarian cancer symptoms are vague, and there is no effective screening for early detection. As a result, only 20 percent of all ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage, and approximately 80 percent of individuals are diagnosed in advanced stages.
Wearing teal helps:
- Raise awareness of ovarian cancer signs and symptoms such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or frequent urination
- Show support for survivors, caregivers, and families
- Promote funding for awareness, education, support programs, resources, and research
How to participate in Wear Teal Day
In 2025, an estimated 20,890 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed, and 12,730 deaths are expected due to the disease. Your participation in Wear Teal Day can help bring these numbers down by spreading awareness and support.
1. Wear teal with purpose
What should I wear to show support on Wear Teal Day?
Wear teal clothing or accessories like a shirt, scarf, ribbon, or pin. Teal is the color of ovarian cancer awareness and a symbol of unity and hope.
Where can I get official awareness gear?
You can shop NOCC’s store for t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and other ovarian cancer support gear. Proceeds support ovarian cancer survivors, caregivers, and families.
2. Share on social media
How can I help raise awareness online?
Take a photo in your teal gear and post it using hashtags like #OvarianCancerAwareness, and #KnowOvarian. Tag and link ovarian.org to help educate others.
Every post helps expand the conversation, educates your followers, and reminds survivors they are not alone.
3. Host a Wear Teal Day event in your community
How can I get my workplace or school involved?
Organize a Wear Teal Day during September. It’s a fun, meaningful way to unite your community and raise awareness.
What Steps do I need to take to plan one?
- Choose a date and give people advance notice
- Encourage everyone to wear teal
- Share ovarian cancer facts and stories
- Set up a teal awareness table with information about ovarian cancer
- Add a fundraising component like a bake sale or a $5 donation challenge
How do I make an even bigger impact?
Take photos, share them online, and tagg NOCC to inspire others to get involved. Every event helps move the mission forward.
4. Make an impact beyond the day
How else can I support the cause beyond wearing teal?
There are many ways to continue your impact like making a donation or signing up to volunteer.
How can I donate to support the ovarian cancer community?
Your gift directly funds awareness, education, research, and programs that support those facing ovarian cancer.
Are there ways to get involved year-round?
Absolutely. NOCC has local and national volunteer opportunities for all experience levels.
Wear teal day at a glance
When is Wear Teal Day?
Wear Teal Day takes place on the first Friday in September, during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Why should I participate?
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, and there is no reliable early detection test. Wearing teal raises awareness, sparks life-saving conversations, and shows support for survivors and their loved ones.
How can I get involved?
A: Wear teal, share on social media, host a Wear Teal Day, and shop NOCC merchandise to support survivors and their caregivers.
Frequently asked questions about Wear Teal Day
What is Wear Teal Day?
Wear Teal Day is an annual event held on the first Friday in September during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. On this day, people across the country wear teal to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, honor survivors, and start important conversations.
Why is teal the color for ovarian cancer awareness?
Teal represents strength, hope, and unity for those affected by ovarian cancer. Wearing teal shows solidarity with survivors, caregivers, and families.
Why is raising awareness about ovarian cancer important?
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, and there is no effective screening for early detection. Only 20 percent of cases are diagnosed at an early stage, while approximately 80 percent are found in advanced stages. Awareness can lead to earlier detection and improved outcomes.
How can I participate in Wear Teal Day?
You can:
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Wear teal clothing or accessories
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Post on social media with hashtags like #WearTealDay and tag @nocc_national
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Host a Wear Teal Day at your workplace, school, or community
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Shop official NOCC merchandise to support survivors and awareness programs
What are common symptoms of ovarian cancer?
Symptoms can be vague but often increase over time. They include:
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Bloating
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Pelvic or abdominal pain
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Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
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Feeling the need to urinate often or urgently
If symptoms are new, frequent, and persistent, speak with your healthcare provider and request a referral to a gynecologic oncologist.
