Dr. Sandra Cesario, professor of nursing at the TWU Institute of Health Sciences-Houston Center, is spreading the word that September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As pink has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness, teal is the color to symbolize awareness of ovarian cancer — the most lethal of women’s cancers. For Dr. Cesario, the issue is personal.
“I made a promise to my daughter Anna prior to her death in 2009 that I would spread the word about early warning signs of the disease so others do not have to die simply because they were diagnosed too late,” she said.
Tomorrow, Friday, September
7th, is Wear Teal Day. For those of you in Houston, the Houston City Hall is lit
in teal from Sept 1 through Sept 7.
Check it out if you are downtown tonight or tomorrow night. There is a particularly stunning view from
the Ferris Wheel at the Aquarium.
October will be filled with pink ribbons, but spread the
word that September is the month to display teal and increase awareness of
ovarian cancer - the most lethal of all of the gynecological cancers. One in 71 women will be diagnosed with
ovarian cancer. With early detection about 94% will survive longer than 5 years
after diagnosis. However, only 15% of ovarian cancer is caught early. Ovarian
Cancer is the most lethal of the women's cancers. Every year, 22,000 women will
be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the US and 16,000 women will die.
Research suggests that the following symptoms may be
associated with ovarian cancer:
· Bloating
· Pelvic or abdominal pain
· Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
· Urinary urgency or frequency
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms
more than three times per week for a couple of months, please seek medical
attention.
For more information or to make a donation, please
consider the following organizations:
OCRF
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
OCRF is the largest independent organization in the
United States dedicated exclusively to funding ovarian cancer research-- and to
finding a cure. Through our three active research programs, we fund the best
researchers and the most innovative projects.
OCNA
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is the foremost
advocate for women with ovarian cancer in the United States. To advance the
interests of women with ovarian cancer, the Alliance advocates at a national
level for increases in research funding for the development of an early
detection test, improved health care practices, and life-saving treatment
protocols. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance educates health care
professionals and raises public awareness of the risks, signs and symptoms of
ovarian cancer.
NOCC
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The mission of the NOCC is to raise awareness and promote
education about ovarian cancer. The Coalition is committed to improving the
survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.
Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center at the University
of Oklahoma http://www.oumedicine.com/cancer
In 2001, the Oklahoma Legislature charged OU with providing statewide
leadership in cancer research, prevention and education, and treatment and
seeking designation as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer
center designation. A major recruiting
effort was launched in 2009 to bring nationally-recognized cancer physicians
and researchers to Oklahoma. In 2011, the Oklahoma Cancer Institute opened and
there is a beautiful gynecologic-oncology waiting area named in Anna's memory.
Sandra K. Cesario, PhD, RNC, FAAN
PhD Program Coordinator and Professor
College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University
6700 Fannin Street
Houston, TX
77030-2343
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