Teal ribbons will be seen in Bowling Green and throughout the region and the nation during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September.
Locally, Mercy Health has partnered with the Ovarian Cancer Connection as a key sponsor of the “Turn the Towns Teal®” campaign to promote awareness about the disease and the often-subtle symptoms. Each year nearly 20,000 new women are impacted by the disease.
Turn the Towns Teal is a national campaign represented 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.
“The Turn the Towns Teal campaign is an amazing reminder of ovarian cancer awareness and survivorship which I believe should be present every month of the year,” said Alyssa Koleda, physician assistant for Mercy Health-Gynecology Oncology. “I often counsel my patients on the importance of establishing a mind-body connection to tune in with any abnormal signs or symptoms. If recognition of concerns arises, confiding in a trusted provider can be the key to early detection and in turn an earlier diagnosis and treatment plan.”
If any symptom persists for 10 days to 2 weeks, consult your gynecologist or physician. 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
Risk factors for ovarian cancer may include genetic predisposition, family history, hormone replacement therapy, increasing age or reproductive history and infertility.
“We are so excited to work closely with Mercy Health to raise awareness and educate the community on the early warning signs of ovarian cancer. For years, Mercy Health has been a strong supporter of the Ovarian Cancer Connection and the Turn the Towns Teal awareness campaign,” said Gini Steinke, executive director, Ovarian Cancer Connection.
“Our partnership with the OCC further enriches our comprehensive oncology program, and it is our hope that the teal ribbons will inspire routine pelvic exams, the confidence to report abnormalities, and support for survivors of ovarian cancer, in addition to honoring those we have lost to the disease,” said Lori Dine, service lines community program manager at Mercy Health-Toledo.
Do not ignore the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. If something does not feel right, contact your local physician or gynecologist.
To learn more about the OCC, visit ovarianconnection.org. For more information on ovarian cancer or gynecological specialists, visit mercy.com.
