Teal ribbons adorn downtown Bowling Green and other communities across the U.S. as part of a nationwide campaign during the month of September, which is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Locally, the campaign is spearheaded by the Ovarian Cancer Connection, a non-profit organization serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.
Ovarian cancer impacts 21,000 more women each year.
Turn the Towns Teal is a national campaign in all 50 states, with the mission of raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of the cancer can lead to early detection with a 90-95% success rate.
Although the primary mission is to raise awareness to the symptoms of ovarian cancer, the national campaign also promotes support for survivors.
Potential symptoms may include:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain/discomfort
- Persistent gastrointestinal upsets
- Difficulty eating or bloating quickly
- Urinary symptoms (frequent or urgent)
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Ongoing usual fatigue
- Back pain
- Menstrual changes
- Pain during intimacy
If any symptom persists for 10 days to two weeks, consult your gynecologist or physician.
Risk factors for ovarian cancer may include genetic predisposition, family history, hormone replacement therapy, increasing age or reproductive history and infertility.
Do not ignore the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. If something does not feel right, contact your local physician or gynecologist.
