Awareness, prevention, and support at Missouri State University

Each year on May 8, communities around the world recognize World Ovarian Cancer Day, a global awareness initiative led by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. The day focuses on improving understanding of ovarian cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early medical evaluation when something doesn’t feel right.

Because ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at later stages, awareness and timely attention to symptoms play a critical role in improving outcomes.

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⚠️ Symptoms & Risk Awareness

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and persistent. Common signs may include:

• Ongoing bloating or abdominal swelling
• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Unexplained fatigue or changes in bowel habits

Risk factors may include age, family history, genetic predisposition, and certain reproductive health factors. Symptoms are often mistaken for more common conditions, which is why awareness is essential.

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🧪 Detection & Screening: What to Know

A key point in ovarian cancer awareness is that:

• There is no routine screening test for ovarian cancer in people without symptoms
• A Pap test does NOT detect ovarian cancer (it screens for cervical cancer only)
• Diagnosis typically occurs after symptom evaluation and medical testing

This makes it especially important to recognize persistent changes in the body and seek medical guidance early.

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🏥 MSU Resource: Women’s Health Services

Missouri State University provides on-campus support through the Women’s Center & Wellness Services, which offers health education, wellness support, and referrals for care. This resource can be an important first step for students and employees seeking guidance on women’s health concerns and preventive care. Additional services include:

• GYN annual exams/PAP tests
• Contraception including: birth control pills,  LARC, IUD, Depo Provera, diaphragm, condoms, Nexplanon, patch and ring.
• Emergency contraception counseling and prescriptions
• Vaginal infection assessment and treatment
• UTI assessment and treatment
• Emergency contraception counseling and prescription
• Pregnancy testing
• STI testing and treatment
• Vaccination review and updates, HPV vaccine

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📊 Preventive Care Reminder

While Pap tests do not detect ovarian cancer, they remain an important part of preventive health care. At the same time, MSU health plan data shows that our campus community is falling behind on recommended cervical cancer screenings.

The good news is that preventive cervical cancer screenings are covered at 100% under the university health plan when completed at Magers Health and Wellness Center or with another in-network provider, making it easier and more affordable to stay current with recommended care.

Preventive care remains one of the most effective tools for early detection of health issues and long-term wellness.

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🧭 Support & Financial Protection During Serious Health Conditions

When facing a serious diagnosis, Missouri State provides resources to help employees navigate both care and workplace support, including leave options and benefits guidance:
Navigating support when you or a loved one has a serious health condition.

In addition, Critical Illness Insurance offers financial support for covered conditions such as cancer, helping offset expenses like treatment, travel, and recovery needs. Additionally, employees enrolled in the policy may receive a benefit under the critical illness insurance wellness benefit.

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🤝 Awareness Leads to Action

World Ovarian Cancer Day is a reminder that awareness matters. Because symptoms can be subtle and screening is limited, early attention to changes in health is critical.

At Missouri State University, we encourage everyone to:

• Pay attention to persistent symptoms
• Stay current on preventive screenings
• Use available health and wellness resources
• Seek medical guidance when something feels off

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🌍 Final Reflection

On May 8 and every day, we are reminded that awareness, prevention, and support systems all play a role in health outcomes. By staying informed and using available resources, we strengthen both individual well-being and our campus community as a whole.