LGSOC Day Shines a Spotlight on The Underresearched Ovarian Cancer Subtype

Have you heard of LGSOC? If not, you’re not alone. Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is a rare subtype of ovarian cancer that often goes unnoticed. But this September 9, we’re changing that narrative.

Why September 9? It’s not a random date on the calendar. This day falls in the heart of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, giving LGSOC the attention it deserves. LGSOC day is a day dedicated to educating, empowering, and inspiring action against this oft-overlooked yet profoundly impactful form of ovarian cancer. 

LGSOC: The Diagnosis Challenge

LGSOC is a unique entity in the world of ovarian cancers. Unlike its more aggressive counterpart, high-grade serous ovarian cancer, LGSOC grows slowly. This characteristic, while seemingly positive, presents its own set of challenges.

The slow growth of LGSOC makes early detection difficult. Imagine trying to spot a small change in a vast landscape: that’s what detecting LGSOC feels like for medical professionals. This difficulty in early detection is why awareness is so crucial.

Diagnosing LGSOC is extremely challenging. According to the LGSOC Patient Impact Survey by Harris Poll, it can take as long as 3 years to get an accurate LGSOC diagnosis. This lengthy diagnostic journey underscores the urgent need for improved awareness and detection methods.

LGSOC also tends to affect younger women. While the average age of diagnosis for high-grade serous ovarian cancer is 63, LGSOC often strikes women in their 40s, sometimes even younger. These are women in the prime of their lives, often balancing careers, raising families, and suddenly facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Let’s break down some key points about LGSOC:

• Rarity: LGSOC accounts for less than 10% of all ovarian cancers.
• Age: The median age at diagnosis is 45-55 years, significantly younger than other ovarian cancers.
• Growth: LGSOC is characterized by slow growth, which can make it challenging to detect early.
• Treatment response: LGSOC often responds differently to standard treatments compared to other ovarian cancers.

Understanding these unique characteristics is the first step in improving outcomes for women diagnosed with LGSOC.

September 9 is LGSOC Awareness Day: A Day to Amplify Our Voices

Now, you might be wondering, “Why do we need a special day for LGSOC?” The answer is simple yet powerful: awareness saves lives.

When people are aware of LGSOC, they’re more likely to recognize its symptoms. And in the world of cancer, early detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes. It can mean the difference between a difficult journey and a more manageable one.

The impact of awareness extends beyond individual diagnoses. Awareness leads to increased funding, and funding is the lifeblood of research. Without adequate research, we remain stagnant in our fight against LGSOC. With it, we move forward, developing new treatments, improving diagnostic tools, and potentially discovering a cure.

The urgency of our mission becomes even clearer when we consider the recurrence rates of LGSOC. The Harris Poll study shows that 4 out of 5 people (80%) treated for LGSOC will have their cancer come back. This high recurrence rate highlights the critical need for more effective treatments and ongoing research.

Consider these facts:

• Research funding for rare cancers like LGSOC often lags behind that of more common cancers.
• Increased awareness can lead to more clinical trials, giving patients access to cutting-edge treatments. (Read more about the benefits of ovarian cancer clinical trials.)
• Understanding LGSOC’s unique characteristics can help develop targeted therapies, potentially improving outcomes.

September 9 is our opportunity to change these statistics and bring LGSOC out of the shadows and into the spotlight where it belongs.

Beyond Awareness: Taking Meaningful Action

Understanding LGSOC is crucial, but knowledge alone isn’t enough. Action is where real change happens. So, what can you do to make a difference?

Donate to LGSOC Research

Yes, it’s a common request, but for a good reason. Research is expensive, and every dollar counts. The scientists working tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of LGSOC need resources to continue their vital work. Your donations directly fuel their efforts.

The need for action is further emphasized by the fact that there are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for LGSOC. This lack of targeted therapies leaves patients with limited options and underscores the pressing need for dedicated research and drug development.

But what if financial contribution isn’t an option for you right now? Don’t worry, there are other impactful ways to help:

• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to organizations focused on LGSOC research and support.
• Educate: Share information about LGSOC with your network. You never know who might benefit from this knowledge.
• Advocate: Use your voice to push for more LGSOC research. Write to your representatives, join advocacy groups, and make your voice heard.

Remember, every action, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the larger goal of improving outcomes for women with LGSOC.

Not These Ovaries: Committed to LGSOC Research

At Not These Ovaries, our commitment to LGSOC research serves as our driving force. We believe that focused research is the key to unlocking better treatments, improved diagnostic tools, and, ultimately, better outcomes for women with LGSOC.

We’ve already funded groundbreaking studies on borderline ovarian cancer and low-grade serous ovarian cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, addressing the urgent need for better surveillance and treatment options. Donations have also enabled us to establish a dedicated Gynecologic Oncology Research Supervisor position at Mount Sinai Medical Center to accelerate research and expand clinical trials. This crucial role will lead the world-class institution’s low-grade ovarian cancer program, helping accelerate research and expand clinical trials.

Make a Difference On LGSOC Day

LGSOC Awareness Day on September 9 is our call to action. By understanding symptoms, supporting research, and spreading awareness, we can make a real difference. 

Every contribution, whether it’s sharing information, donating, or advocating for research, brings us closer to better treatments and earlier diagnoses. Together, we can improve outcomes for those affected by LGSOC and work towards a future where this disease no longer threatens lives.