Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, and for Black women, its toll is especially devastating. They are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, less likely to receive full and timely treatment and face lower survival rates than their white counterparts.
In Missouri, the disparities are growing, with incidence rates on the rise in the Black community and outcomes that remain persistently worse.
These grim realities are why advocates pushed for Missouri to formally recognize September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — a chance to confront the silence surrounding the disease and reach the women most at risk. The designation is a legislative victory applauded by St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness (SLOCA), which has made addressing racial disparities central to its mission.
With no effective screening test and symptoms that can be vague, most women are diagnosed in advanced stages. Survival rates hinge on early detection, yet too many cases are caught too late.
SLOCA reports the St. Louis region alone, more than 200 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year — many of them Black women. Data from the Missouri Department of Health shows incidence rates are rising among this group.
“I know all too well the devastation ovarian cancer can bring,” said Joan Gummels, SLOCA’s board president and a nine-year survivor of metastatic ovarian cancer. She testified in support of the bill that created Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
“As a woman navigating this disease, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to raise awareness, to spread knowledge about genetic testing and to ensure that every woman — regardless of her background — knows the signs and gets the care she needs,” Gummels said.
The legislation was championed by Missouri Sen. Karla May of St. Louis, a longtime advocate for health equity.
“This new law isn’t just a step for awareness — it’s a promise to the women of Missouri that we will fight for them,” May said. “Ovarian cancer doesn’t discriminate, but access to resources often does. That’s why awareness must reach every corner of our state, especially underserved communities.”
Black women in Missouri are significantly more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, often due to barriers in detection or access to specialists, according to the National Institutes of Health. The five-year ovarian cancer survival rate is 46% for white women, compared to just 36% for Black women, the public health research agency found — an urgent reminder of the need for education and outreach.
Data from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance underscore these disparities. Previous studies have found that African American women are more likely than non-Hispanic white women to experience reduced chemotherapy doses, delays in treatment or early discontinuation of therapy — all factors that impact survival.
The National Cancer Institute shows that access to culturally responsive care is another challenge. Only 32% of practicing oncologists are women and just 2.3% are Black. Representation is also limited among nurses, with only 7.8% identifying as Black. Advocates say these gaps contribute to barriers in communication, trust and tailored treatment for women most at risk.
Robben emphasized the importance of women taking charge of their health and feeling confident discussing their concerns with healthcare professionals.
“Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is one of the scariest things a woman can go through,” Robben said. “But knowledge is power. We want women to understand their risks, recognize symptoms early, and feel confident asking their doctors the right questions.”
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be easy to dismiss. They may include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating, frequent or urgent urination and bleeding after menopause.
Because these symptoms are often vague, diagnosis is frequently delayed until the disease has progressed.
To confront disparities, SLOCA has launched several initiatives:
- The Sister Box Program, which delivers care packages and resources to newly diagnosed women.
- Survivors Teaching Students, which partners with Washington University, Saint Louis University, and SSM Health to connect survivors with medical students and providers.
- The Together in Teal Fund, which has distributed more than $50,000 in financial assistance for housing, childcare and transportation during treatment.
SLOCA is calling on St. Louisans to take some action this month related to ovarian cancer, such as learning more about it, donating money or having conversations that help break the silence around the disease.
Make Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month a step toward helping women understand their bodies, advocate for their health and recognize the signs of this deadly disease.
Symptoms of Ovarian cancer may include:
- Persistent bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Post-menopausal bleeding