September Is Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Guest Authors: Travis Rodgers & Amy Edel

---

September is both Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

These two cancers affect the abdominal area and share a connection to asbestos exposure. Raising awareness helps people recognize risks early, seek care and support research and education.

Mesothelioma and Ovarian Cancer: What You Should Know

There are different types of mesothelioma that first develop in different areas of the mesothelium, a thin protective membrane in your body. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops on the part of the mesothelium called the peritoneum, which lines your abdominal cavity. Common signs include abdominal swelling, pain and changes in digestion.

Ovarian cancer begins when abnormal cells multiply in or around the ovaries. Its most common symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, changes in digestion and feeling full quickly.

Some symptoms, like abdominal swelling, pain, and digestive changes, can appear in both cancers. Recognizing these signs early and talking with a doctor can help people get care sooner and improve outcomes.

The Link Between Asbestos and Talc

Talc is a mineral used in products like baby powder and cosmetics. Some talc deposits naturally contain asbestos fibers, which can become trapped in the body if inhaled or ingested.

Research has linked talc exposure to ovarian cancer. A 2021 study in Cancers found asbestos fibers in ovarian tumors, and a large NIH study of more than 50,000 women reported higher ovarian cancer risk with frequent or long-term talc use. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies talc as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A) based on animal studies, lab research and human data.

This evidence shows that asbestos exposure isn’t just a risk for peritoneal mesothelioma. It may also play a role in ovarian cancer. Knowing the risk can help people avoid hazardous products and support safer regulations.

Insights From a Mesothelioma Specialist

Dr. Armando Sardi, a surgical oncologist and member of the co-founder of the Abdominal Cancers Alliance, emphasizes early detection is critical for both peritoneal mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. He tells us, “Both cancers are hard to detect early because symptoms mimic more common digestive or gynecologic issues.” He adds, catching them early “dramatically improves outcomes, allowing complete surgery and more effective therapy.”

“Many patients are told there are no effective treatments, but specialized centers offer life-extending therapies,” Dr. Sardi notes. For example, cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, which removes tumors from the abdominal cavity and directly delivers heated chemo, can provide long-term survival. Some patients live more than 20 years after treatment.

Dr. Sardi also highlights the Alliance’s role in connecting patients and families to expert care and support networks. Outcomes are best at hospitals that specialize in mesothelioma and ovarian cancer care and have extensive experience with these abdominal cancers. He praises the Alliance for its focus on scientific accuracy and compassionate advocacy, helping patients access treatments that can truly change outcomes.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor Tamron Little’s Message of Hope

Tamron Little, an 18-year peritoneal mesothelioma survivor, tells us, “The most challenging part of it all after my initial diagnosis was the constant reminder that I had cancer. It's not just a diagnosis on paper. It's something that lingers in your thoughts daily.”

“Cancer changed how I looked at life, my dreams and what was truly important to me. It forced me to reevaluate my goals and shift my priorities,” she explains. Tamron faced her reality head-on and shares, “Cancer isn't just physical. It's emotional, mental and spiritual too. Coping with peritoneal mesothelioma takes more than doctors and medicine, it takes faith, community and support.”

She adds that she received her life-changing diagnosis when “I was just 21 years old and a new mom.” To others, she advises, “Do not give up hope. Your story is not over. I was told I had 18 months to live, and here I am 18 years later, still standing, still thriving!”

Now an advocate, Tamron uses her journey to inspire others. She shares: “Cancer tried to strip everything away, but instead it gave me clarity. It taught me to live with intention, to honor what matters most and to use my story as a light of hope for others. Even in the middle of treatment, even when the future feels uncertain, you can still find joy, peace and purpose. Your diagnosis does not define the fullness of your story. There is more ahead of you than you may realize.”

How You Can Help Raise Awareness

People can raise awareness for mesothelioma and ovarian cancer in many ways. Share facts about the link between asbestos and these diseases to spread knowledge and help prevent future cases. Join social media campaigns, attend educational events, and support research through fundraising.

The Abdominal Cancers Alliance offers patients and caregivers vital resources for every step of the journey. Families can connect with specialists, get guidance on treatment decisions, and access programs that focus on early detection, diagnosis, and living well with abdominal cancers.

The Alliance builds community and promotes timely care to bring hope to people living with tough diagnoses. This September, the Alliance encourages everyone to spread knowledge, support families and advocate for better outcomes in mesothelioma, ovarian cancer and other abdominal cancers.

Guest authors Travis Rodgers & Amy Edel are employed by The Mesothelioma Center.

Sources

International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2024, July 5). IARC Monographs evaluate the carcinogenicity of talc and acrylonitrile. Retrieved from https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pr352_E.pdf

O'Brien K M et al. (2024, May 15). Intimate Care Products and Incidence of Hormone-Related Cancers: A Quantitative Bias Analysis. Retrieved from https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.23.02037

Aronson, S. et al. (2023, October 24). Cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OVHIPEC-1): final survival analysis of a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(23)00396-0/abstract 

Vimercati, L. et al. (2021, May 10). Primary Ovarian Mesothelioma: A Case Series with Electron Microscopy Examination and Review of the Literature. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/9/2278