Philanthropy
Ovarian Cancer Awareness
On June 2, 2007, the sisters of Sigma Alpha Omega® voted to adopt Ovarian Cancer Awareness as our national philanthropy after the initiative was researched by then Vice President of the National Board of Trustees, Erin Watts Evans. The sorority has worked alongside organizations to promote education and awareness efforts such as Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative, Teal Diva, and many local to our chapters.
September: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has dedicated the whole month of September to ovarian cancer awareness. More about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month can be found at at ovariancancer.org.
Ovarian Cancer Facts
-
Each year in the United States, an estimated 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
-
Each year, about 14,000 U.S. women die of ovarian cancer​.
-
Worldwide, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year and 140,000 women die from the disease.​
-
Approximately 1 in 79 American women will develop ovarian cancer in her lifetime​.
-
When ovarian cancer is detected in the early stages, there is an 85 to 90% chance for a cure​.
-
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among American women​.
-
Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than all other gynecological cancers combined.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
-
Bloating
-
Pelvic or Abdominal Pain or Pressure
-
Urinary Urgency or Frequency
-
Difficulty Eating or Feeling Full Quickly​
If these symptoms occur for more than two weeks and these symptoms are new or unusual for you, see a gynecologist and ask about ovarian cancer.