A few days ago, I posted my monthly cancer awareness post here. As many of you know, September is ovarian cancer awareness month. I wanted to put some extra attention on this type of cancer, as most women diagnosed with it are not fortunate enough to have it be caught early. By the time you feel symptoms, you are usually at a well progressed stage. I, myself, was very lucky for it to have been caught at stage 1C, but unlucky enough that the cancer penetrated the tumor and I had to endure chemotherapy in addition to surgical measures.
I wanted to take the time to point people to websites for more information and awareness. I feel it is very important, as the gynecologists do not screen for ovarian cancer. Did you know that your yearly pap smears only really check for cervical cancer? So even if you are being seen yearly by your OB/GYN, you can still slip through the cracks. While the following are nowhere near a complete list of all of the organizations out there, they are my personal picks that deserve attention.
American Cancer Society – This is usually my first stop for any information about cancer. They are one of the biggest resources of information, as well as the biggest financial supporter of research for treatments and cures (with the biggest percentage of donations actually going towards things like research and help to cancer patients.) Besides research, they fund rides to treatment for patients, wigs, free make-up sessions (with free products), housing via Hope Lodge for patients and caregivers when going for treatment and surgeries, and a lot more. (The above link goes right to their ovarian cancer info page.)
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance – No list would be complete without the biggest organization that is dedicated solely to ovarian cancer. The site includes a lot of information, including for those newly diagnosed. Access to clinical trials can be found, and even a store with proceeds supporting the organization . There is also a related off-site support community.
Teal’s The Deal – This is a great organization committed to awareness of all gynecological cancers. Besides being a source of awareness and information, they also have a great Facebook support community for both survivors and those fighting their battle to be able to talk to someone who is going through (or have gone through) the same thing.
Ovarian Cancer Together – This is another great organization for awareness. They also have a wonderful online support community via Facebook for survivors to talk to one another. One great awareness thing done by this group was getting a bridge in Washington state lit up TEAL for awareness! (See their page for pics and more details.)
Teal Toes – Have you seen women rocking teal toenails in September? Did you know it was to raise awareness for ovarian cancer? This site has materials you can hand out when people ask about your teal toes. Also, it has a handy guide to how to find the best teal nail polish colors among the popular brands!
As always, know your bodies!
*Edited to add Teal Toes! How could I forget?*
