World Ovarian Cancer Day campaign spotlights scars seen and unseen
Advocates hope stories shared May 8 will raise awareness and support
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May 8 is World Ovarian Cancer Day, a time when advocates around the world raise their voices to increase awareness, support those affected, and drive action in the fight against ovarian cancer, a type of gynecological cancer.
This year, the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC) is spotlighting #ReachForTheScars, a social media campaign tied to World Ovarian Cancer Day. The campaign aims to highlight the impacts of ovarian cancer — including physical changes that are visible to the naked eye, as well as the many impacts that can’t be easily seen but are nonetheless very real.
“Ovarian cancer leaves scars – some visible, many invisible. Yet it’s still often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and not talked about enough,” the WOCC said on its website. “So, this World Ovarian Cancer Day, we’re inviting you to share yours.”
Campaign invites community to share scars and stories
The WOCC is encouraging members of the ovarian cancer community, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and advocates, to share their stories online. Community members on social media are encouraged to post a photo — whether of a literal scar or something more abstract — along with a caption explaining their experiences. The WOCC has also created a range of online resources that can be shared.
Posts can be tagged with the hashtag #ReachForTheScars, and advocates can tag the WOCC (@worldovariancancercoalition) to further amplify the message. Other hashtags, including #WOCD2026 and #WorldOvarianCancerDay, can also be used.
“Every scar tells a story of survival, strength, love, and loss. It is both vulnerability and where resilience grows. Each story could help others recognize symptoms, seek care, or feel less alone,” the WOCC wrote.
“Together, we can change the story of ovarian cancer and ensure that there is #NoWomanLeftBehind,” the WOCC added, referencing a longstanding hashtag that advocates use to call for efforts to close gaps in care for people with gynecological cancers.
Ovarian cancer is the second-most common type of gynecological cancer in the U.S. It involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or nearby tissue. When ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages, long-term survival rates are much higher — but unfortunately, most people with ovarian cancer aren’t diagnosed until the disease is already advanced, when treatment is more complicated and long-term outcomes are worse.
That’s why groups like the WOCC and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) are working to raise awareness about often-overlooked early ovarian cancer symptoms, such as urinary urgency or frequency, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, persistent bloating, and pelvic or abdominal pain. On its website, the NOCC offers a range of educational resources that advocates can use to learn more and spread the word on May 8.
Groups urge action to raise awareness and close care gaps
“This day is an opportunity to educate, empower, and ensure that no one faces ovarian cancer alone,” the NOCC writes on its website.
On May 8 in San Francisco, advocates will host an event called “We’re OVAR It” to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), a nonprofit focused on ovarian cancer research. The night will feature food, an open bar, entertainment, and fundraising opportunities.
Outside the U.S., groups such as Ovarian Cancer Australia are leading advocacy efforts for this worldwide day of awareness.
“Progress is being made, but more must be done to translate growing awareness and education into action and investment,” Ovarian Cancer Australia said on its website. “Together, we can drive change and ensure that no woman is left behind.”
