Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
- LaToya Brathwaite-Washington
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s an important reminder that our health cannot wait. For many of us, life gets extremely busy. Between caring for children, working, and holding families together, routine checkups often fall to the bottom of the list. But these screenings are not “optional.” They are life-saving.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which are the reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones. It can be hard to detect early because symptoms are often vague and easy to overlook.
Common symptoms may include:
Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Feeling full quickly after eating
Changes in urination (urgency or frequency)
Unexplained fatigue or low energy
Risk factors can include:
Age (most cases occur after menopause)
Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
Certain inherited genes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
Personal history of other cancers
Other health conditions that affect reproductive organs
Paying attention to symptoms and knowing your risk factors can help with early detection. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any changes or have concerns.
Why Screenings Matter
A recent national survey found that nearly 3 in 4 women are putting off their gynecology visits. That means many are skipping routine cancer screenings that can detect problems early or prevent them altogether.
Cervical cancer, for example, is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. The good news? It’s also one of the most preventable if caught early through screening. But when appointments are delayed, that chance for prevention is lost.
Here in Delaware, we’ve seen the impact. According to the Delaware Division of Public Health, about 1 in 4 women are not up to date on their cervical, breast, or colorectal screenings. Black women in our state face even greater risks, not because of personal choices, but because of barriers such as unequal access to care and systemic racism in healthcare. These are not just numbers. They represent our sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends.
What Screening Looks Like
Screenings are simple and quick. They usually involve:
Pap test: checks for abnormal cells on the cervix
HPV test: checks for high-risk HPV that can lead to cervical cancer
The guidelines are straightforward:
Age 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
Age 30–65: HPV test every 5 years
65 and older: No screening needed if you’ve had consistent results in the past and aren’t at high risk (always talk to your provider if unsure)
Breaking Down Barriers
So why are so many women skipping their appointments? The survey found that fear, discomfort, and scheduling conflicts are the top reasons. Many of us know what it’s like to feel uneasy about pelvic exams or struggle to find time between work, childcare, and everything else on our plates.
But the healthcare field is starting to respond. New self-collection swab tests done in a doctor’s office make screenings less invasive. And at-home test options may soon become available. These changes mean fewer barriers and more accessible ways for women to protect their health.
Delaware Resources for Moms & Families
In Delaware, there are resources that can help:
Delaware Cancer Screening Program (Division of Public Health): Provides free cervical cancer screenings to eligible women who are uninsured or underinsured.
ChristianaCare: Offer women’s health services, including routine gynecology appointments and cancer screenings.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your local health center or talk with your primary care provider. Organizations like Mother, Baby, & Beyond are here to connect families with information and support, because we believe no mom or caregiver should have to put their health last.
A Reminder for Moms & Caregivers
When you are the heart of the family, it’s easy to put your needs aside. But your health is the foundation that everything else rests on. Scheduling a screening is not just for you. It’s for your children, your partner, and your community.
This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, make yourself a priority. If you haven’t had a screening in a while, call your doctor’s office and make that appointment. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. Early care saves lives.
#MotherBabyBeyond #OvarianCancerAwarenessMonth #MaternalHealth #CervicalCancerPrevention #MaternityCare #DelawareMoms #CervicalCancerAwareness #ScreeningSavesLives #CareForMoms #HealthyMomsHealthyBabies
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