WHY: For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is promoting its educational message by encouraging women to "Think T.E.A.L. – Tell Everyone About Listening." Throughout the country, teal ribbons will be displayed at stores, parks, office buildings, in neighborhoods and at special events hosted by local NOCC Divisions. Thousands of people will be wearing teal jelly bracelets that say "It whispers, so listen" to encourage women to listen to their bodies and know the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer so they can alert their doctors (bracelets are available on the Web site or at Claire's Stores nationwide).
For Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is promoting its educational message by encouraging women to "Think T.E.A.L. – Tell Everyone About Listening." Throughout the country, teal ribbons will be displayed at stores, parks, office buildings, in neighborhoods and at special events hosted by local NOCC Divisions. Thousands of people will be wearing teal jelly bracelets that say "It whispers, so listen" to encourage women to listen to their bodies and know the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer so they can alert their doctors (bracelets are available on the Web site or at Claire's Stores nationwide).
HOW: Julene Fabrizio, National President of NOCC and an ovarian cancer survivor, is available to talk about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and how to detect it early when it is most treatable. To schedule an interview, please call the number below.
Julene Fabrizio, National President of NOCC and an ovarian cancer survivor, is available to talk about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and how to detect it early when it is most treatable. To schedule an interview, please call the number below.
NOCC also offers information on symptoms and treatment on its Web site at www.ovarian.org or through its press kit (available upon request).
For women age 35-74, ovarian cancer it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There is currently no consistently reliable screening test available (the Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer). Early detection is most likely when women are aware of the symptoms and report them to their doctor. If diagnosed and treated early while it is still confined to the ovaries, ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 93%. Unfortunately, due to the disease’s non-specific symptoms, only 24% of all cases are found at this early stage.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include: pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; frequency and/or urgency of urination; unexplained changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; pelvic and/or abdominal swelling or bloating; pain during intercourse; and ongoing unusual fatigue.
For more information on ovarian cancer, go to http://www.ovarian.org or call 888-OVARIAN. The Web site also has a link to the local Divisions and provides additional information about upcoming events and activities in different areas.