Wear Teal Day: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Program

Wear Teal Day is an ovarian cancer awareness program that originated through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. The first Friday of each month, individuals across the nation don teal colored attire and awareness bracelets to spread the word about the deadliest form of female cancers.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Wear Teal Day falls on Friday, September 3rd, 2010. Numerous events are planned across the nation including community awareness walks, fundraising events, bake sales, silent auctions, car shows, music concerts, and carnivals.

The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 22,000 women have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and approximately 14,000 deaths have occurred from this gynecologic disease this year alone. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance reports ovarian cancer is "the ninth most common cancer among women and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among women."

One of the biggest challenges women face is ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it is in advanced stages. The symptoms can be easy to miss because they are similar to daily aches and pains women sometimes develop as they age. Approximately 25-percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are between 55 and 64 years of age.

Publications provided by OvarianCancerAwareness.org state the four primary symptoms of ovarian cancer include: pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency or frequency. Other symptoms can include fatigue, backaches, indigestion, constipation, pain during sexual intercourse, and menstrual disorders.

Many women rely on annual pap tests to detect gynecologic changes. However, a pap test is insufficient in detecting ovarian cancer during its early stage. Women who experience any of the aforementioned symptoms for more than two weeks should seek medical attention.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation developed a symptom diary tool to help women track their symptoms and provide a written report to their physician. This tool can be invaluable for early detection and help physicians determine which tests should be administered. The PDF document can be downloaded at OvarianCancer.org.

Ways to Spread Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Many opportunities exist to spread awareness about ovarian cancer throughout the month of September. From becoming a volunteer to handing out literature, and hosting a fundraising event to participating in community awareness walks, there is something available for every one of all ages.

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition provides a variety of opportunities to make a difference. Individuals can join the Take Early Action and Live™ (TEAL) Initiative to obtain awareness information that can easily be shared with others. Additional NOCC opportunities include becoming a sponsor, awareness partner, or volunteer, as well the option to make cash donations or shop in the marketplace.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has created the United States of Teal campaign which gives U.S. citizens the opportunity to contact their states' elected officials and inform them of the importance of bringing ovarian cancer awareness to the forefront.

Individuals can copy the United States of Teal allegiance pledge letter and locate state representatives at UnitedStatesOfTeal.org. The website allows individuals to make cash donations or shop in their store to purchase teal colored apparel, awareness bracelets, lapel pins, jewelry, pottery, artwork, and a variety of unique gifts.

A nationwide list of upcoming ovarian cancer awareness events is published at Ovarian.org. Events include: 5K Run/Walk, bowling and golf tournaments, afternoon tea parties, and proclamation ceremonies.

An extensive list of awareness opportunities is presented at OvarianCancer.org. Options include: workplace giving, charitable gifting through estate planning, donating cars, wedding gift and gift registry donations, and numerous ideas for hosting private fundraising events.

Ovarian cancer has been deemed the 'silent killer' amongst women. By taking time to help spread awareness, we can each make a difference and perhaps save a life. Please participate in at least one event in September and continue spreading awareness throughout the year by wearing the color of teal the first Friday of each month.

Sources:

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
American Cancer Society
OvarianCancerAwareness.org
OvarianCancer.org
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
United States of Teal