Rehoboth turns teal to raise awareness of ovarian cancer

Joining other communities across the state, Rehoboth Beach is participating in a national campaign to create awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. During a bow-tying event Aug. 25, city officials and volunteers did their part to Turn The Towns Teal by tying teal bows to light posts on Rehoboth Avenue and the bandstand.

This ovarian cancer awareness initiative annually takes place in September during national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, sponsors the campaign in its efforts to help save more women's lives through increasing awareness and education, raising funds for research, and helping women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

There is no test for ovarian cancer, so knowledge of symptoms is crucial. Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms such as frequency or urgency. The symptoms are vague, and if they persist more than two weeks, a woman should discuss them with her physician. The symptoms mimic those of other conditions, so the disease is extremely difficult to diagnose.

All women are at risk; the disease affects 1 in 70 females of any age. Fewer than 20 percent of cases are diagnosed early. Due to late diagnosis and a recurrence rate of 70-90 percent, ovarian is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers.

Residents are encouraged to join the awareness campaign by tying a teal ribbon on their mailbox to show support. Other signs of support include wearing teal on Tuesdays, teal hair extensions, teal awareness bands, teal ribbon car magnets and using teal nail polish.

For more information on the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation, go to deovariancancer.org.