September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and many people around the country are coming together to show their support.The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) reports on their website that approximately 20,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year.In 2008, they have estimated that 15,520 women will die from this disease.
Sadly, the five-year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is only 46 percent and has only increased a mere 8 percent in the last 30 years.And with ovarian cancer being the eighth most common cancer among women, organizations like the OCNA need to get the word out now more than ever.
The Alliance, which formed in 1997, is made up of the leaders from seven different ovarian cancer groups.They joined forces in hopes to create a stronger voice so that national policy makers and women’s health care leaders would have a greater understanding of the need for better education and research on the topic of ovarian cancer.
According to the alliance, their hard work is beginning to pay off.They say new treatments are increasing survival rates and a new screening tool to diagnose the disease in now in the works.Until recent studies regarding symptoms of ovarian cancer came out, the disease was believed to be the “silent killer”.The symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and frequent or urgent urination.
In celebration of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, the Alliance offers some tips on how to raise awareness within your community.Since teal is the chosen color of the cause, you may want to wear teal ribbons, bracelets, put up teal lights in front of your home, tie teal ribbons around neighborhood poles etc.They also suggest writing a letter about ovarian cancer to your local newspaper or handing out symptom cards and fact sheets to friends and family during the month.
To find out more about National Ovarian Awareness Month or to see what events may be coming to you area this month you can visit http://www.ovariancancer.org .
What do you think about the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and what it is doing for the cause?
Will you be doing anything this month to raise awareness about the disease?
Gosh I am glad that I read this. As I was reading I was thinking 'how would you even know'. I can see how this could be a "silent killer" as many women experience these symptoms and attribute it to other things. It is good thing to bring up with your Dr. if the symptoms persist!
fairygodmother11::
on Sep 28, 2008
Reading this has really helped me get my act together and make an appointment to have a check up.
I really wanted to have two of my daughters get the shot to help protect them because this type of cancer runs wild in their family. Sadly I can't afford it (series of 3 shots at $200 each) and my work insurance dosen't pay for any of it.
dars3001::
on Oct 01, 2008
I would like to hear as much about this type of cancer as I hear about breast cancer, as I don't believe it is as popular a cause for many. My sister had ovarian cancer, went through all the treatments, and was supposedly cured and clear for 9 years after. Meanwhile, she always got her check up, ate all the right foods, took the right vitamins, etc. The suddenly, she thought she had a UTI, only to find that she had cancer again. She went through surgeries, chemotherapy, many tests, spending months in the hospital. She got to go home briefly for about two weeks, before having to return to the hospital again, where she died a short time after. She had just turned 46 years old. We need to promote screening for this type of cancer at a younger age, as well as advice and awareness.
tripletsnthree::
on Oct 03, 2008
I am interested in hearing about ovarian cancer and my heart goes out to those suffering. With that large of a number it makes me wonder about conections between birth control methods and ovarian cancers. It would be wonderful for all of us to gain insight.
God Blessings to all those amidst the struggles of cancer.
momagarry::
on Oct 03, 2009
That is great news that survival rates are on the rise.
