Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those affected by ovarian cancer, and encouraging women to understand the signs and symptoms of the disease.

At Hudson & Broome, this month is especially meaningful to us. Many of the women we design for are navigating cancer treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and recovery. We believe awareness begins with education, and that comfort, dignity, and support matter throughout every stage of the journey.

What Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?

Observed every September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers while honoring patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and those we have lost.

The color teal is widely associated with ovarian cancer awareness, and throughout September, organizations and communities across the country use teal to help start conversations and encourage women to learn more about their health.

One of the most important messages this month is simple:

Know your body. Know what is normal for you. And don't ignore changes that persist.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer refers to a group of cancers that can begin in the ovaries or related areas, including the fallopian tubes and peritoneum.

Unlike some other cancers, there is currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in women who do not have symptoms. A Pap test does not screen for ovarian cancer.

That's one reason recognizing potential symptoms and discussing changes with your healthcare provider is so important.

Know the Possible Signs & Symptoms

Ovarian cancer can cause symptoms that may initially seem like everyday health concerns.

Possible symptoms can include:

- Persistent bloating

- Pelvic pain or pressure

- Abdominal or back pain

- Feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating

- Changes in bathroom habits, including needing to urinate more frequently or urgently

- Constipation

- Unusual bleeding or discharge

Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have ovarian cancer. Many common conditions can cause similar symptoms.

However, the CDC recommends paying attention to what is normal for your body. If symptoms are unusual for you and continue for two weeks or longer, talk with your healthcare provider. Unusual bleeding should be discussed with a doctor right away.

Understanding Your Risk

Most women who develop ovarian cancer are not considered high risk, but certain factors may increase risk.

These can include:

- Getting older

- Having a family history of ovarian cancer

- Having certain inherited genetic mutations, including BRCA1 or BRCA2

- Having Lynch syndrome

- A personal history of breast, uterine, or colorectal cancer

- Having endometriosis

Family history matters on both your mother's and father's sides of the family.

If ovarian, breast, or other related cancers run in your family, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and whether genetic counseling may be appropriate.

Comfort During Ovarian Cancer Treatment & Recovery

Cancer treatment can look different for every person. Depending on an individual's diagnosis and treatment plan, the journey may involve surgery, chemotherapy, medications, hospital stays, or a combination of treatments.

During this time, seemingly small things can make everyday life feel a little easier.

Comfort during treatment might mean:

- Choosing soft, nonrestrictive clothing

- Wearing garments that are easy to put on and take off

- Keeping necessities close by during treatment or recovery

- Allowing yourself time to rest

- Accepting help from family and friends

- Creating a comfortable space for recovery at home

- Choosing clothing that provides easier access for medical appointments, ports, IVs, or surgical drains when needed

At Hudson & Broome, these are exactly the kinds of moments we think about when designing our adaptive and recovery clothing.

Our goal is simple: make getting dressed one less thing to worry about.

Thoughtful details like easy openings, medical access, soft fabrics, and discreet drain pockets can help someone feel more comfortable while still allowing them to feel like themselves.

Supporting Someone With Ovarian Cancer

If someone you love has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may wonder what you can do to help.

Often, support doesn't have to be complicated.

You can:

- Bring or arrange a meal

- Offer transportation to appointments

- Help with errands or household tasks

- Check in without expecting an immediate response

- Sit with them during treatment, if they want

- Gift them something comfortable or useful for recovery

- Listen when they want to talk

- Respect when they need rest or space

And sometimes, simply saying "I'm here" can mean more than trying to find the perfect words.

Awareness Can Make a Difference

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to encourage women to pay attention to their bodies, understand their family histories, and feel empowered to speak with their healthcare providers when something doesn't feel right.

It's also a time to recognize the strength of those undergoing treatment and recovery, and the families, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates standing beside them.

This September, Wear Teal & Share the Message

This Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the symptoms, share what you've learned with someone you love, and show support for those affected by ovarian cancer.

A conversation today could encourage someone to pay closer attention to a change in their body tomorrow.

From all of us at Hudson & Broome, we stand with ovarian cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and everyone working toward greater awareness, better treatments, and a future without ovarian cancer.

This September, let's wear teal, spread awareness, and remind every woman that listening to her body matters.