Guest content from Tell Every Amazing Lady (TEAL)

Sept. 23 marks Teal Talk Day: a day to increase ovarian cancer awareness among women.

Every year, more than 300,000 women globally are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. 

As there is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer (the Pap test does not test for ovarian cancer), knowing the signs and symptoms of this disease is key to combating it. Encourage the women in your life to listen to their bodies and note any unusual symptoms to discuss with their doctor:

• Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea, and indigestion

• Abdominal bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, and/or feeling of fullness

• Frequency and/or urgency of urination

• Unexplained change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)

• Unexplained weight gain or loss

• Unusual fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Back pain

• New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal bleeding

Using a tool like Kith + Kin to keep track of your health makes it easier for you to advocate for yourself to help your provider evaluate changes to your health — everything is in one place, in your own voice, and in your control.

Women are at an increased risk of ovarian cancer over age 50, and those with a family or personal history of ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer have an even higher risk. Those who have experienced uninterrupted ovulation (having no pregnancies, infertility, low parity) or have a presence of gene mutations, especially BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome are also at higher risk. 

Many ovarian cancer survivors and patients note that it’s difficult to find a community of fellow survivors, but Tell Every Amazing Lady has many free resources for those impacted by the disease including quarterly Survivor Socials for these amazing ladies to gather virtually and share their experiences. 

Kith + Kin gives you a way to easily engage your circle of support, allowing you to share some information with some people and other information with other people, or you can share all of your information with the most trusted members of your circle. It’s always your choice and you’re always in control.

About TEAL
TEAL offers women’s health and wellness services, including public awareness and education of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer, providing support to those impacted by the disease and raising funds for research in order to find a screening test and a cure. Learn more at telleveryamazinglady.org