COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central South Carolina (OCC) will hold its annual butterfly release September 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the South Carolina State House to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and honor those whose lives have been affected by the disease.
The Cathy B. Novinger Butterfly Release for Ovarian Cancer is named in memory of the organization’s founder, who lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2016. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Participants will release hundreds of butterflies in memory or honor of relatives and friends who have been affected by ovarian cancer and other female-related cancers.
Nearly 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and more than 13,000 die from the disease. About one in 78 women will develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime.
Ovarian cancer is sometimes referred to as “the disease that whispers” because its symptoms can be difficult to recognize. It is among the deadliest cancers affecting women and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
According to the OCC, when ovarian cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is about 93%. The rate drops significantly for women diagnosed at later stages, with five-year survival below 25% for those diagnosed at Stage 3 and about 5% for those diagnosed at Stage 4.
Ovarian cancer cannot be detected through a Pap smear, which is primarily used to screen for cervical cancer.
Proceeds from the butterfly release support the organization’s mission of educating women throughout the Midlands about ovarian cancer.
For more information or to purchase a butterfly, visit www.ovariancancermidlands.org.
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