Wear teal on National Teal Day

Posted by aallender on September 3, 2009
Wear teal for National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month on National Teal Day (Examiner.com)
September 1, 2009.

By Rebecca Lacko

Teal is that precocious color that precedes the ubiquitous navy of Winter–perfect for September’s nationwide observance of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance will lead the efforts of thousands of Americans wearing teal to increase awareness about the deadly disease on the first Friday in September–September 4, 2009–dubbed National Teal Day. 

Teal is the ovarian cancer community’s color and serves as a reminder that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the cancers of the reproductive system and a leading cause of cancer death. 

In addition to wearing teal, the 47 Partner Member organizations of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance are hosting events across the country including health fairs, walk/runs and fundraisers.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance strengthened its voice for the ovarian cancer community through relationships with Cartier, the Entertainment Industry Foundation and TriStar Products, Inc. In addition, the cause has been bolstered by celebrity support from racer Danica Patrick, swimmer Dara Torres, performer Janet Jackson, actor Kathy Bates and stylist Rachel Zoe, who have all been touched by the disease in some way. 

“Talking about this disease at the national level is essential because diagnosing it is so difficult. September is our opportunity to significantly increase awareness across the United States and ultimately, help save women’s lives,” explains Judith Abrams, President of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

If the following symptoms occur almost daily for more than two weeks, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance advises that women see a gynecologist. These symptoms include:

•    Bloating
•    Pelvic or abdominal pain
•    Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
•    Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

There is no definitive test for ovarian cancer so experts suggest a combination of pelvic/rectal exam, a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound.

Established in 1997, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is the foremost advocate for ovarian cancer in the United States. Until there is a cure for the disease, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, a 501(c) (3) organization, leads the national initiative to conquer ovarian cancer by uniting individuals and organizations at the local, state, and national levels to advance ovarian cancer research in the quest for early detection tests, improved health care practices, and development of live-saving treatment protocols.