Friday was "Wear Teal Day" to promote awareness and education about Ovarian Cancer. The whole month of September is actually Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Looking at the "awareness" bracelets that are sold, as well as t-shirts and other gear for Ovarian Cancer, much of it looks more like turquoise or aqua, which is just fine with me. (I have quite a bit in my wardrobe already!) What is impossible to read on my bracelets below are "Ovarian Cancer Awareness" and "Fight Like a Girl!!"
It's important to educate ourselves about our bodies and pay attention to what is going on with ourselves. In this case, knowledge really is power. If something doesn't feel right, ask questions. And if your doctor blows you off, find another doctor. Don't give up on feeling like your best self. And remember, no one knows your body better than you do!
Symptoms of ovarian cancer are not specific to the disease, and they often mimic those of many other more-common conditions, including digestive and bladder problems.
When ovarian cancer symptoms are present, they tend to be persistent and worsen with time. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:
- Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
- Pelvic discomfort or pain
- Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
- Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
- Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
- A persistent lack of energy
- Low back pain
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.
If you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a genetic counselor to discuss testing for certain gene mutations that increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
To help or to find out more, you can check out these sites ...
Like the nails? ;) (I saw Cabaret recently! thank you Sally Bowles!)
Women in particular need to keep an eye on their physical and mental health,
because if we're scurrying to and from appointments and errands,
we don't have a lot of time to take care of ourselves.
We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list.
~Michelle Obama
