Why Teal?

Prior to breast cancer awareness month, numerous Chicago skyscrapers illuminated the color teal. Why teal you ask? Teal represents ovarian awareness. A couple quick facts for you:

• More than 20,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
• There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, so most cases are diagnosed too late. (Pap tests do not detect ovarian cancer.)
• If diagnosed and treated early, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent.

The key is to be aware of ovarian cancer symptoms which of course can be very hard to detect:

Subtle, but potential, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Need to urinate urgently or often

Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:

• Fatigue
• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Back pain
• Pain during sex
• Constipation or menstrual changes

Spread the word! Too many people discover this disease too late and it is one of the most curable if you catch it early enough. You can never be too cautious, so ladies, don't be afraid to check with your doctor.