World Ovarian Cancer Day: A Global Call to Action on May 8

Every year on May 8, the world unites to observe World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD)—a day dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer, honoring those affected, and advocating for improved detection, treatment, and support. Established in 2013 by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, WOCD has grown into a global movement, supported by over 200 organizations worldwide, aiming to ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against this disease.

At OncoDaily, we’re proud to join oncologists, survivors, caregivers, and advocates from across the globe to spotlight the urgent need for early detection, equitable access to care, and stronger public education. Through personal stories, expert insights, and powerful campaigns, we aim to inform, inspire, and ignite change.

 The Silent Threat

Ovarian cancer ranks as the seventh most common cancer among women globally and is the most lethal gynecological cancer. Its symptoms—such as bloating, pelvic pain, and frequent urination—are often vague, leading to delayed diagnoses. In the UK alone, approximately 7,400 women are diagnosed annually, with 4,000 succumbing to the disease. The absence of a reliable screening test further complicates early detection, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and research.

 Voices of Strength and Advocacy

Personal stories and expert insights play a pivotal role in shedding light on the realities of ovarian cancer:

Dilyara Kaidarova

“I’m pleased to share that I’m a member of the Global Expert Advisory Group on Ovarian Cancer, launched today on World Ovarian Cancer Day. The Group brings together patient advocates, clinicians and policymakers from 12 nations across 6 continents.

Our mission: Develop a global ovarian cancer strategy that will have country-level impact to ensure that everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life possible, no matter where they live.

Learn more about the Group on the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Website.”

Jennifer Garam

“In honor of World Ovarian Cancer Day today, I’m sharing information about an ongoing project I am thrilled and honored to be a part of — GSK’s global gynecologic cancer initiative, ‘Your Cancer Is Our Challenge.’ This program started with a multinational survey of over 800 gynecologic cancer patients and survivors across 10 countries to help identify key challenges and gaps in care beyond treatment.

I am collaborating with GSK on ‘Your Cancer Is Our Challenge’ as they work to raise awareness and identify solutions around the insights and common challenges that surfaced in the survey results.

Read more about GSK’s ‘Your Cancer Is Our Challenge’ initiative, as well as my own experience being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and undergoing treatment, in this excellent and informative article on Reuters, linked in the comments. And stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon!”

Nikki Roebuck

“I always feel such privilege to do my job and especially today, I remember my Why…”

Andriana Diamanti

“Did you know that ovarian cancer is the #1 deadliest gynecologic cancer in the U.S.?

May 8 is World Ovarian Cancer Day

Early detection is rare—routine tests often miss it. That’s why most women are diagnosed at an advanced stage. These women deserve access to innovative, life-saving treatments.

AbbVie stands together with World Ovarian Cancer Coalition to make sure no woman is left behind!”

Sampson Chinonso Ipiankama

“Today on World OvarianCancer Day, I want to spotlight a powerful insight from a recent study by co-authors Anmol Bajwa, MPH & Runcie C.W. Chidebe, titled “Challenges and opportunities in ovarian cancer care: A qualitative study of clinician perspectives from 24 low- and middle-income countries.”

The study reveals something deeply relevant to LMICs like Nigeria and that is that Men, husbands, fathers, sons often control the decision of when and where women seek medical care. And this control can mean the difference between early detection and late presentation, between survival and loss.

Even though ovarian cancer affects only women, men play a vital role.
I agree with the authors that there should be increased engagement of men in ovarian cancer control. Awareness campaigns that ignore men are missing the mark. We must design health communication that educates and equips men to support early care-seeking and stand as allies in the fight to save lives.

As a cancer control advocate living in a low-and middle-income country, I will make sure that #NoWomanLeftBehind.”

Amb. Grace B. Charrier

“Awareness is imperative…

…about ovarian cancer.

Most cervical cancers are associated with human papillomavirus, HPV, a sexually-transmitted infection in comparison with ovarian cancer, which is usually not the case.

Since there is no screening test, it is vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer as early detection saves lives.

Please, see your physician ASAP if you experience the following:

• increased abdominal size
• persistent bloating
•  difficultly eating
• feeling full quickly
• abdominal or pelvic pain
•  back pain
• passing urine urgently and too frequently
• painful sex
• menstrual changes
• weight loss
• unexplained exhaustion

Today is World Ovarian Cancer Day.

This is a call to action.”

Elvina Almuradova

“Big news on World Ovarian Cancer Day!

U.S. FDA grants accelerated approval to avutometinib + defactinib (Avmpaki + Fakzynja) for adults with KRAS-mutant low-grade serous ovarian cancer after prior systemic therapy.”

Moe Byrne

“Today on World Ovarian Cancer Day please consider donating to Fred’s Team “Team Ovary” to fund ovarian cancer research at MSKCC. We can continue to do better for our patients!”

Pilar de la Puente

“Today, on World Ovarian Cancer Day, the delaPuenteLab stands with patients, families, and advocates—driven by science, our lab is committed to advancing discoveries that bring hope and improve outcomes in ovarian cancer, we are not stopping! So proud of these strong ladies.”

Victoria Katasi

“Today, we speak up. We stand strong.

On World Ovarian Cancer Day, we raise awareness, honor fighters, and push for earlier detection. Ovarian cancer often whispers—let’s make sure it’s heard. Know the signs.

Share the message. Save lives.”

 Taking Action: How You Can Help

Awareness is the first step toward change. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer. Share this knowledge within your community.
• Support Research and Advocacy: Consider donating to organizations dedicated to ovarian cancer research and patient support.
• Participate in Awareness Campaigns: Engage with initiatives like the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s #NoWomanLeftBehind campaign to amplify the message.
• Encourage Regular Check-Ups: Advocate for routine medical examinations and prompt attention to persistent symptoms.

Let’s unite our voices to break the silence surrounding the disease. Through awareness, education, and collective action, we can strive for a future where every woman has the knowledge and resources to combat ovarian cancer effectively.

You can also read –

Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Diagnosis and Treatment

Bianca Balti: The Supermodel’s Brave Battle with Ovarian Cancer

Written by Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bureau