A Warning Wrapped in a Teal Ribbon

August 31, 2026

Teal ribbons have been hung in municipalities throughout Delaware as part of "Turn the Towns Teal," a national campaign conducted during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September).

A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 91. Her lifetime chance of dying from the disease is about 1 in 143.

If caught at its earliest stages, ovarian cancer can be successfully treated. According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the 5-year relative survival rate for ovarian cancer can be as high as 93% for some Stage I patients, but as low as 31% for those in Stage IV.

The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are easily overlooked or dismissed for common digestive and menstrual issues, which is why it has earned the nickname "the silent killer of women." Women experiencing any of the following symptoms consistently are urged to consult with their doctor:

• Bloating or swollen belly area.

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly (early satiety).

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain. (The area may feel "heavy.")

To learn more about ovarian cancer's signs and symptoms, click here