Paterson officials this week moved to increase community awareness about ovarian cancer by formally recognizing September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The City Council passed a resolution highlighting the disease’s challenges, the limits of current screening methods and the importance of early diagnosis.
Why the city is acting
The resolution cites the difficulty of detecting ovarian cancer in its earliest stages because symptoms are often "vague and nonspecific" and no routine, reliable screening test currently exists comparable to mammograms for breast cancer or Pap tests for cervical cancer. As a result, most diagnoses occur after the disease has spread beyond the ovaries.
Local health leaders and the council emphasize that greater public knowledge of warning signs and risk factors could prompt earlier medical evaluation and improve outcomes for Paterson residents.
Local context and statistics
The resolution references national and state estimates from the American Cancer Society to underline the scale of the issue:
- United States: An estimated 21,010 new ovarian cancer cases and 12,450 deaths expected in 2026.
- New Jersey: Approximately 650 new cases and 340 deaths projected.
- Lifetime risk: About 1 in 91 for developing ovarian cancer and 1 in 143 for dying from it.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Estimated U.S. diagnoses (2026) | 21,010 |
| Estimated U.S. deaths (2026) | 12,450 |
| Estimated New Jersey diagnoses (2026) | 650 |
| Estimated New Jersey deaths (2026) | 340 |
| Lifetime risk of developing | 1 in 91 |
| Lifetime risk of dying | 1 in 143 |
Survival tied to early diagnosis
The resolution points out a stark contrast in survival rates tied to stage at diagnosis. When ovarian cancer is found at Stage I, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. However, only about 15% of cases are diagnosed at that early stage. For cancers identified at later stages, the five-year survival rate falls below 30%.
"Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in survival," the resolution says.
The council singled out St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson as a regional health resource for residents seeking care and information. The hospital provides oncology services and is positioned to respond to referrals and diagnostic needs in the region.
What the resolution asks of residents
The City Council resolution urges Paterson residents to:
- Become familiar with possible ovarian cancer symptoms and risk factors;
- Seek medical attention if they experience persistent or unusual symptoms;
- Share information with family members to encourage prompt evaluation when appropriate.
Medical experts often note symptoms of ovarian cancer can include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms. Because those symptoms are common and nonspecific, the resolution and local officials stress the importance of tracking symptoms over time and consulting a clinician when patterns change.
Paterson’s recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month aims to amplify prevention messaging, promote earlier presentation for evaluation and connect residents to local resources. The resolution does not establish new funding or screening programs, but it seeks to increase education and encourage residents to use existing health-care services in the city.
Health-care providers and community organizations often mark the month with outreach, educational events and information campaigns; Paterson leaders said they hope local partners will step up those efforts during September.
