September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! Gear up now to show your support for these brave women and help raise awareness for finding a cure.
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest cancers specific to women. It is estimated that 1 in 75 women will develop it during their lifetime. The symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other illnesses. Talk to your doctor if you are over the age of 50 and have any of the following symptoms for more than 2-3 weeks and they are new or unusual for you:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Weight loss
- Pelvic discomfort
- Bowel disruption
- Frequent urination
- Satisfied with eating small portions of food
There is no viable screening tool to detect for ovarian cancer. Current methods are not sensitive enough to distinguish it from other noncancerous conditions. Women with a family history of breast, colon, or ovarian cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease and should be vigilant about symptom recognition.
Make A Difference:
- Visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition to find out how you can get involved.
- Promote a Wear Your Teal day for your staff and referral network. With action there is hope!
- Sponsor a run/walk event in your community, and be sure to provide teal ribbons for participants.
- Supply your referral groups with brochures on cancer and other women’s health issues.
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