Ovarian Cancer Awareness has made strides even since mom's diagnosis in 2009 - which was only 4 short years ago. Ovarian Cancer was just getting attention - and there wasn't much visibility of the disease known to me at the time.
Fast forward to May 8th, 2013, the first World Ovarian Cancer Day.
On this day, ovarian cancer organizations from around the world united to educate their communities about ovarian cancer and its symptoms. This is even a larger initiative that the September Awareness month, and it took them four years to organize themselves enough. Large initiatives do take time.
Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of all gynecologic cancers, and is characterized around the world by a lack of awareness of symptoms and late stage diagnosis.
The key to awareness is not to narrow it down to one day or one month - but to keep the cycle going long after September has passed. Say something every day (even to yourself) that you need to be aware of the symptoms. If your girlfriend is complaining of something seemingly minor, like a belly ache, take the time to talk about the subtle symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. It's a good habit to practice and will create more awareness.
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