Raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Even though September is the 'official' month for ovarian cancer awareness, women of all ages need to be known about the disease. That's right... women of all ages. Why would ovarian cancer awareness matter for women who are not at the age for which there is a greater risk for getting the disease? Well, first of all there are pre-menopausal women who get ovarian cancer, though such a situation is not as common. Secondly, with proper ovarian cancer awareness, a young woman can make lifestyle choices that may help decrease her chances of getting the disease later on in the future.



So, what are some issues that should be of concern when it comes to ovarian cancer awareness? Well, the first element to proper ovarian cancer awareness involves the preventative measures a woman can take to reduce the her risk of developing the condition. These preventative measures include: having babies in one's 20s, breastfeeding, taking birth control pills, avoiding talcum powder both on oneself and when changing a baby's diaper and eating a healthy diet with a limited number of saturated fats and dairy products. Women who are at greater risk can also consider getting their ovaries removed or getting a hysterectomy when they get elderly.



The next are of concern when it comes to ovarian cancer awareness involves educating women of the symptoms associated with the condition. These symptoms involve urinary incontinence and abdominal pain in the disease's very early stages. As it progresses these symptoms will become worse and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as increased abdominal girth, digestive problems, post-menopausal bleeding and painful sex. By knowing these symptoms, (which tend to be mistaken for other less serious conditions), women can at least consider the possibility that they may be suffering from ovarian cancer.



The final element of ovarian cancer awareness should involve giving a voice to the women that do have the disease. Too often in ovarian cancer awareness campaigns so much emphasis is placed on preventing the disease or even diagnosing the disease that the women who actually have the condition are forgotten. These women should be encouraged to speak about their condition, so other women who have it can develop strategies for which they can better deal with living with such a deadly illness.



So, how can a woman increase ovarian cancer awareness? She can make a donation to any ovarian cancer awareness causes as well as participate in any fundraisers such organizations might be having. A common fundraiser could be a walkathon. Additionally, women who already have ovarian cancer can increase awareness by writing about their condition on message boards or on networks that accept articles from individuals. She can also consider starting a website or a blog about her condition, so the world can know that even if you are unfortunate enough to get the disease, it doesn't mean your life has to end. All in all if ovarian cancer awareness is going to be successful, both ovarian cancer sufferers and women who are not at risk need to find ways to contribute to such causes.

Raising Ovarian Cancer Awareness: Teal Ribbons To Support The Cause

Ovarian cancer accounts for almost 3% of all cancers among women. It is the ninth most common cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in women. This type of cancer can be cured, though it may not always be that easy. To show support for the Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, which is being celebrated on the month of September each year, there are so many kinds of activities that you could do to participate.



One of the easiest ways for you to show your support include wearing teal ribbon pins, teal silicone wristbands or teal charms during the month of celebration. By displaying these awareness products you will spread the word and awareness about this disease to people who don't have a clue about it. The more people aware of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, the more successful the celebration will be. One of the main objectives of the awareness campaign, it's to educate women to recognize warning signs, therefore, the cancer can be detected at an early stage before it gets worse increasing the chances of defeating it.



Why the color teal? Well, just like breast cancer with its pink ribbon and AIDS with its striking red color, teal is considered as the official color of ovarian cancer and is also the color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. During September, those who are directly affected by the cancer and those who are not directly affected but may have a loved one suffering, are the most celebrated. In addition, a lot of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and health authorities will be playing their role by organizing educational events at public places and setting up health and information booths to spread more awareness to the public.



Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly of women cancers. For 2010, it was estimated that 21,880 women in the United States alone would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and at least 13,850 would died from this disease. It's everyone's responsibility to help raise more awareness, and aside from showing personal support by wearing the teal colored accessories, there are many kinds of events which can be organized to raise awareness or to raise funds. Among the events that could be organized for the cause include a tea party plus an ovarian cancer talk or seminar, or a public auction to help raise funds. Funds recollected are usually used on research to develop better screaming methods or to improve treatments.