September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  I am a cancer survivor so I find it very important to spread aware of the signs and symptoms of this hard-to-diagnose cancer.  The truth is that 22,000 women are diagnosed each year, and 15,000 die each year.  We can do better!

Know the symptoms!

Ovarian cancer shows up in women in their 50s and 60s primarily although younger women have been diagnosed with the disease.  The symptoms are subtle and are

• bloating
• pelvic or abdominal pain
• difficulty eating, or feeling full quickly
• urinary urgency or frequency

There is no screener for this cancer, if you have symptoms like above and they last more than two weeks, seek advice from your physician. There is a 95% survival rate in the first five years if detected early.  Be your own best advocate!

For my Saint Louis readers, there are a number of events this September to heighten awareness of this cancer.  Check these out:

• September 4~Cookie Baking for Survivors at the Des Peres Dierberg's Cooking School.  Come and help back cookies that will be given to cancer patients at local gynecologic oncologists' offices.
• September 11~ Teal Toes.  Come get a teal pedi at Nail Pro in Des Peres.  A portion of the proceeds benefits Saint Louis Ovarian Cancer Association (SLOCA.) 

• September 14~ The 14th annual SLOCA Night at Busch Stadium will commence at 7:15 against the Dodgers.  Tickets are $35 and include a free jumbo hot dog and soda.  Call 314-966-4562 to get yours OR ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS to the Cards Dodgers game by LEAVING A COMMENT about what you learned in this post.  Winners will be determined by me!  :)

• September 14~ If you are in St. Louis, the Planetarium will go teal!
• September 23~ The Survive and Shine educational seminar will be held for survivors and their caregivers.  Topics include diet, nutrition, managing side effects and more.

Watch 4 the Symptoms!

Be sure to visit the website at sloca.org to find out future events and how you can get involved. SLOCA has donated approximately $400, 000 for research.  They have speaker groups available as well.  Pay attention to your body, it's the only one you have! 

Don't forget to leave a comment to win two free tickets to the Cardinals/Dodgers game on September 14!  Winners will be announce on September 1!