Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  Ovarian Cancer affects around 238,000 women in world per year, and it is, unfortunately, one of the deadliest cancers. It is estimated that 1 in 75 women will develop ovarian cancer.

Use this month to educate yourself and those around you about the symptoms and warning signs of ovarian cancer. And find the ways you can contribute to finding a cure.

Most women who develop ovarian cancer are in their fifties and sixties. A majority of women with ovarian cancer have a family and genetic history of cancer.

The cancer can be difficult to detect because its symptoms are often easily confused with other illnesses. However, if caught early on, the cancer is much more treatable, and the survival rate is much higher than when diagnosed in later stages.

The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer to be aware of are:

–          Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly

–          Abdominal pain

–          Bloating

–          Nausea or indigestion

–          Weight gain

If you experience any of these symptoms lasting longer than two or three weeks, contact your doctor immediately about your concerns. There is not yet an adequate screening test for ovarian cancer, so it is important that you stay on top of recognizing possible symptoms and asking your doctor about any concerns as soon as possible.

Ovarian cancer is one of the kinds of cancer for which there isn’t yet a good way to screen for or treat ovarian cancer. A major goal for September is to raise awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to raise the funds needed to continue research which will help doctors detect and treat ovarian cancer faster and more successfully.

Teal is the color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so wear teal, and use it to start a conversation about the need for more research about ovarian cancer. The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance even has specific Ovarian Cancer Awareness merchandise available for purchase – the proceeds going to funding research.

Tell the women in your life about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. You can also use your voice on social media to spread awareness about ovarian cancer and the symptoms to be aware of. As more people become educated about ovarian cancer and contribute to the effort to find a cure for it, the faster we will be able to see a day without ovarian cancer.

The team at Crisp Regional’s Women’s Center work hard to walk through any health concerns women may encounter. If you are experiencing the symptoms of ovarian cancer, set up an appointment as soon as possible.