National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Tell Every Amazing Lady® – T.E.A.L.® has become the color that symbolizes ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic cancer in the US. It causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. In North Carolina in 2016, the age-adjusted rate of new ovarian cancer cases was 10.5 per 100,000 women. There were 663 ovarian cancer cases reported that year.
Signs & Symptoms: Treatment works best when ovarian cancer is found in its early stages. It is important to pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you. Signs and symptoms include: vaginal bleeding, especially post-menopause, or discharge from your vagina; pain or pressure in the pelvic area; abdominal or back pain; bloating; feeling full too quickly; and a change in your bathroom habits, such as more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation. These symptoms may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see your doctor.
Risk Factors: While there is no way to know for sure if you will get ovarian cancer, several factors may increase your risk: middle age or older; have close family members who have had ovarian cancer; have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation; have had breast, uterine or colorectal cancer; have an Eastern European or Ashkenazi Jewish background; have endometriosis; or have never given birth or have had trouble getting pregnant.
Diagnosis: There is no reliable test to screen for ovarian cancer for women without symptoms. A Pap test does not check for ovarian cancer, only cervical cancer. Pay attention to your body and discuss any unusual changes with your doctor. Be your own advocate. Ask if you should have a diagnostic test, like a rectovaginal pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, or a CA-125 blood test. These tests sometimes help find or rule out ovarian cancer. View this excellent video on the CDC website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4cgw6ywHns/ Another great resource; https://she-rocks.org She-ROCKS (Research Ovarian Cancer Knowledge Support)
September 8th is Grandparent’s Day
“Blessed are those who spoil and snuggle, hug and hope, pray and pamper — for they shall be called grandparents.”
Save the Date for Your District Meeting!
- District 1 – Oct. 5th Waynesville
- District 2 – Oct. 12th Wilkesboro
- District 3 – Oct. 5th Charlotte
- District 4 – Oct. 5th Burlington
- District 5 – Oct. 26th Youngsville
- District 6 – Sept. 28th Garner
- District 7 – Oct. 12th Lumberton
- District 8 – Oct. 5th Williamston
- District 9 – Oct. 5th Manteo