Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Why is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month important?

Currently only 3 in 10 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live beyond 10 years. It’s unacceptable.

With 7500 women receiving an ovarian cancer diagnosis in the UK each year, it’s vital we make faster progress to reach a vision of ovarian cancer being survivable for all women.

That's why we, Ovarian Cancer Action, created Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the UK in 2005 - to empower women, raise awareness of symptoms and change the future for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

When is ovarian cancer awareness month?

March is ovarian cancer awareness month in the UK.

During the month of March, Ovarian Cancer Action - alongside other UK gynae charities - put the spotlight on ovarian cancer and ask our supporters to help us raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, statistics and stories.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Understanding the symptoms of ovarian cancer is pivotal for early detection. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Changes in urinary habits
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

90% of women do not know the four main symptoms of ovarian cancer

Two thirds of those with ovarian cancer are diagnosed too late when the cancer has already spread.

40% of women believe that cervical screening detects ovarian cancer.

Published: Mar 1, 2026