In a heartfelt proclamation during a recent town meeting, Gilbert Mayor Bridget Peterson declared September 2024 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the critical need for public education on this often-overlooked disease. Ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with the American Cancer Society projecting nearly 19,700 new diagnoses and approximately 13,000 deaths nationwide in 2024. In Arizona alone, there are expected to be 460 new cases and 310 deaths.

The mayor highlighted the challenges of early detection, noting that vague symptoms often lead to diagnoses at advanced stages, where the five-year survival rate drops significantly. Only 15% of ovarian cancers are detected at stage 1, where survival rates exceed 90%, compared to less than 30% for later stages.

Rachel Putman, a stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor, shared her personal journey, stressing the importance of regular medical check-ups and awareness that Pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed in June 2020, coinciding with her breast cancer diagnosis, and faced significant delays in her ovarian cancer diagnosis. Putman urged the community to educate themselves about the disease and advocate for their health.

Joining her was Andrea Palceto, another survivor who was diagnosed in 2010. Palceto recounted her battle with a rare subtype of ovarian cancer and the ongoing challenges she faces, including multiple recurrences and treatments. Both women underscored the importance of raising awareness and supporting research for all types of ovarian cancer.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for residents to engage in awareness efforts and regular health screenings, as the community stands united in the fight against ovarian cancer.