September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I know there a many "awareness months" during the year, and I tend to ignore many of them because they get a lot of national attention. But this one is important to me, especially the more that I learn about it and I feel it is important to share the facts and the brands that are supporting it - as in 100%.
Ovarian Cancer is named the silent killer for a reason; it has symptoms that are often mistaken for ordinary gastrointestinal symptoms. Things like bloating, gas, feeling full quickly, abdominal or pelvic pain and the need to urinate more frequently. Often women think they have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and just dismiss it for a while. The thing is, these symptoms aren't that bad, but they persist and don't go away. If you have these symptoms that last for two weeks or more, you need to see your Gynecologist. Yes, your Gynecologist. And the sooner the better. You should not let these symptoms go; you should not have them for more than a few weeks - that is not normal. Your doctor will perform a screening for Ovarian Cancer which includes a pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound and CA 125 blood test because there is not just one test that can diagnosis Ovarian Cancer. In fact, Ovarian Cancer usually cannot be fully diagnosed until after surgery - it is that difficult to diagnose. Usually, by the time a woman goes to the doctor and if it turns out to be Ovarian Cancer, it is an advanced stage of Ovarian Cancer, which is so scary, right? That is why I want to make every woman I know, aware of these simple, easy to miss symptoms. Again, the symptoms to be aware of:
- persistent bloating
- gas
- difficulty eating/feeling full quickly
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- constipation
- the need to urinate more frequently
I am painting my toes teal for the month of September to call attention to the fact it is the month of Ovarian Cancer Awareness. I am starting with essie Naughty Nautical and I am also looking into brands that may be supporting the cause. If you know of any, please let me know.
