Shine a Light: September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September is widely recognized as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a cancer that affects women across the globe.
Why It Matters
Ovarian cancer often masquerades silently, with symptoms like abdominal bloating, pelvic discomfort, early satiety, urinary urgency, or unexplained fatigue that are easily mistaken for benign causes.
Consequently, most cases (around 60–70%) are diagnosed at later stages, when survival rates drop dramatically. Early-stage survival rates are between 70 and 90 percent, while advanced-stage survival drops to 10 to 30 percent.
In the U.S., it is estimated that in 2025, approximately 20,890 women will be newly diagnosed and 12,730 will die from ovarian cancer.
Despite these challenges, prevention and early detection can save lives. Survival surpasses 90 percent when ovarian cancer is caught early.
BCOM Health: Delivering Comprehensive Women’s Health Services
BCOM Health offers a full spectrum of Women’s Health services designed to support women at every stage of life, from adolescence and reproductive years through menopause and beyond.
Services Offered
Preventive & Screening Care
- Gynecological exams, Pap smears, and breast exams
- Osteoporosis screening, pelvic and urinary health assessments
- STD screenings and other preventive screenings
Reproductive & Family Planning
Prenatal care, contraception counseling, and family planning guidance
Menopause & Hormonal Health
- Hormone therapy and bone health services tailored to the menopausal transition
Pelvic & Vaginal Health
- Comprehensive care for pelvic exams, vaginal health, and gynecological surgeries when needed
Supportive & Holistic Care
- Urinary health services as well as behavioral health, nutrition, and mental wellness support through broader BCOM programs
Why BCOM Stands Out
Accessible, compassionate care: BCOM ensures a safe environment for women’s health, delivered with trust and empathy.
Expert providers across all life stages: The dedicated team includes OB-GYNs, MDs, ARNPs, and clinical leaders such as Dr. Lysbeth Germain-George (OBGYN), Dr. Ellin Hossain (MD), Dr. Stevenson Chery (Clinical Medical Director), Jaime James-Sylvain, Marlene Adesca, and Tiffany Maxton (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners).
Holistic care integrated into a larger health ecosystem: BCOM’s women’s health services are part of a network that includes family medicine, maternal health, behavioral health, nutrition, and more.
Awareness Meets Access
In this pivotal month of September, let’s embrace the mission of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month while recognizing the importance of strong local support systems like BCOM.
Raising awareness saves lives: Empowering women with knowledge around early, subtle symptoms and risk factors is the first line of defense.
Early detection matters: Knowing warning signs such as persistent bloating, pelvic discomfort, or changes in appetite can lead to prompt evaluation and dramatically better outcomes.
Access to comprehensive care is key: BCOM Health’s robust women’s services, from preventive exams to hormonal and surgical support, provide care across life’s stages.