Think T.E.A.L. Tell Everyone About Listening

BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ — September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and across the country, divisions of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition are hosting events tomorrow and throughout the month to promote the organization’s educational message: “Think T.E.A.L. – Tell Everyone About Listening.” Teal ribbons are on display at stores, parks, office buildings, in neighborhoods and at special events hosted by NOCC Divisions. Thousands of people are wearing teal jelly bracelets that say “It whispers, so listen” to encourage women to listen to their bodies and know the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer so they can alert their doctors (jelly bracelets are available at http://www.ovarian.org/ or at Claire’s stores nationwide).

“Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women,” says Julene Fabrizio, National President of NOCC and an ovarian cancer survivor. “And in women age 35-74, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This doesn’t have to be! But women need to listen to their bodies, and be aware of the subtle symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other illnesses.”

Awareness and education is the mission of NOCC. “We want to reach every woman in the country and educate them about the symptoms of this disease,” says Fabrizio. “By displaying teal ribbons in prominent places, we hope to call attention to ovarian cancer and teach women what they need to know to detect it early, when it is most treatable.”

There is currently no consistently reliable screening test available (the Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer). Early detection is most likely when women are aware of the symptoms and report them to their doctor. If diagnosed and treated early while it is still confined to the ovaries, ovarian cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 93%. Unfortunately, due to the disease’s non-specific symptoms, only 24% of all cases are found at this early stage.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer include: pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort; vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion; frequency and/or urgency of urination; unexplained changes in bowel habits; unexplained weight gain or weight loss; pelvic and/or abdominal swelling or bloating; pain during intercourse; and ongoing unusual fatigue.

For more information on ovarian cancer, go to http://www.ovarian.org/ or call 888- OVARIAN. The Web site also has links to the Divisions and provides additional information about upcoming events and activities around the country.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Julene Fabrizio http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10001875

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

CONTACT: Katherine Hutt, +1-703-938-4540,KHutt@NautilusCommunications.com

Web site: http://www.ovarian.org/