Rare Disease Day 2022

February 28th is Rare Disease Day®. 

Ovarian Cancer is a Rare Disease!

Rare Disease Day is an annual awareness day dedicated to raising the understanding of rare diseases and calling attention to the special challenges faced by patients and the community. 

These gynecologic cancers,

Ovarian cancer
Ovarian carcinosarcoma
Ovarian epithelial cancer
Ovarian germ cell tumor
Ovarian low malignant potential tumor
Ovarian small cell carcinoma

Uterine Carcinosarcoma
Uterine sarcoma
Vaginal cancer

Vulvar cancer

Fallopian tube cancer

Gynandroblastoma

Endometrial stromal sarcoma

Gestational trophoblastic tumor 

Leiomyosarcoma 

are considered RARE by NIH's Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. In the US, diseases that affect less than 200,000 people are considered rare. In 2022, roughly 19,880 women in the US will be diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. 

Why is this Day important? 

Research funding to develop screening tests or treatments in rare diseases may be more limited than more common diseases. Due to the limited number of people with the rare diseases accruing to clinical trials is difficult. Trial designs need to be changed so these trials can take place. As a person with a rare disease, especially people of color and indigenous people, it may be more difficult to find emotional support. This is where online communities are helpful. 

You may find additional information about Rare Disease Day on the  NORD - National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc website . 

Do you have a rare disease? What would you like others to know about your disease? 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!