Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United states. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and nearly 14,000 women will lose their lives to the disease. Join with your staff and your referral partners throughout the month of September, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, to spotlight the need for continued research and support for the courageous women fighting this disease.
As with any type of cancer early diagnoses improves prognosis, but ovarian cancer can be tricky to diagnose as its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. The only difference that stands out with ovarian cancer is the duration of symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends women who experience frequent severe abdominal pain or have any of the following symptoms persistently should visit their physician:
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Weight loss
Pelvic discomfort
Bowel disruption
Frequent urination
Satisfied with eating small portions of food
For those women fighting ovarian cancer, choosing home health as a part of their cancer treatment team means adding another level of care. They receive compassionate personalized medical care in the comfort and privacy of their home. Home health nurses can offer infusion therapy under oncologist supervision for women with extremely compromised immune systems. Consequently, home health care reduces emergency room visits and hospital readmissions.
Your agency can make a difference:
Visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition to find out how you can get involved.
Promote the benefits of home health care to the to the cancer clinics, oncologists and gynecologist in your service area.
Organize a Wear Your Teal day for your staff and referral network.
Sponsor a Together in TEAL® run/walk event in your community this October, and be sure to provide teal ribbons for participants.
Stock your referral partners with brochures on cancer and other women’s health issues.
Maintain current marketing media that highlights all of your services, including telehealth monitoring and infusion therapy services. Visit TAG web store for all your Home Health and Hospice resources.