Valued Voice

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 21,000 women in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women and is most commonly diagnosed in older adults.

The incidence of ovarian cancer has gradually declined since the early 2000s. The American Cancer Society notes that this trend may be partly attributed to increased use of oral contraceptives, which have been associated with a reduced risk of developing the disease.

The WHA Information Center analyzed ovarian cancer-related hospital visits across Wisconsin in recent years. The highest number of visits occurred among individuals 61 to 70, followed by those aged 71 to 80. Inpatient care accounted for the largest share of ovarian cancer-related visits.

Understanding risk factors can help support awareness and early detection efforts. The American Cancer Society identifies several factors associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, including:

• Most ovarian cancers develop after menopause, with approximately half diagnosed in women age 63 or older.
• A family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer.
• Having a first full-term pregnancy after age 35 or never carrying a pregnancy to term.

As health care providers, policymakers and advocates work to improve outcomes for women across Wisconsin, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the value of education, awareness and access to timely care.