Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day - May 8th
Each year on May 8th, we mark World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day - a moment to come together in solidarity with women across Ireland and around the world who are facing, have faced, or may one day face ovarian cancer.
At Sims IVF, we are deeply committed to women's health. We believe in not only supporting fertility journeys but also advocating for the wellbeing of women at every stage of life - including through the challenges of cancer.
Many of the current treatments available to oncology patients and individuals with chronic illnesses - including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other therapies - can seriously affect reproductive health. At Sims IVF, we are proud to provide the National Oncology Fertility Preservation Service, helping patients to preserve their fertility before treatment begins.
In Ireland, about 370 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 272 women lose their lives to the disease (Irish Cancer Society). Often referred to as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages due to vague and often overlooked symptoms. The survival rate remains low, not because it is untreatable, but because it is frequently diagnosed too late.
While ovarian cancer has traditionally been known as a “silent” disease, there are key warning signs we all should be aware of - known as the BEAT symptoms:
Bloating that is persistent and does not come and go.
Eating less and feeling full more quickly.
Abdominal and pelvic pain you feel most days.
Talk to your GP about your symptoms.
While these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer, it’s important to speak to your GP about any unusual or persistent changes. Early detection saves lives.
The Link Between Fertility and Ovarian Health
Fertility and ovarian health are closely connected. Treatments such as chemotherapy and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) can have a profound impact on a woman’s ability to conceive. For women facing a recent diagnosis, fertility preservation becomes both urgent and time sensitive.
At Sims IVF, we are committed to supporting women at this critical time through:
Fertility Preservation: Offering egg freezing, embryo freezing, and other fertility options before cancer treatment begins.
Counselling & Emotional Support: Providing dedicated support throughout and after treatment.
Fast-Track Access: We understand that time is of the essence. We offer priority appointments so fertility preservation can be discussed and started quickly after cancer diagnosis.
Coordinated Care: We work closely with oncologists and medical teams to ensure that fertility preservation does not delay or compromise cancer treatment. Your Oncology Consultant or treating doctor must provide a referral letter/form confirming suitability for the programme and giving details of your clinical and social history. Find out more about the National Oncology service pathway at Sims IVF.
Financial Support: Fertility preservation can have financial implications. We work with VHI, Humm, Access Fertility, and are supported by the HSE, for those referred via public hospitals, to make our services more accessible to patients.
Standing Together, Today and Every Day
On this Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to every woman facing this disease. Whether it's raising awareness, providing clinical support, or walking hand-in-hand through fertility preservation, we are proud to stand with you.
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed and would like to explore fertility options, we’re here to help.
For more information or to get in touch and speak to one of our fertility specialists, click here to schedule your appointment with us.
