Mercy Health sponsoring ‘Turn the Towns Teal’ campaign

        Teal ribbons are flying throughout the region to raise awareness of a disease that impacts 21,000 new women each year. The ribbons are being displayed at local businesses and in the downtown areas with full support from area mayors.
        To highlight the signs, symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer, Mercy Health is once again sponsoring Ovarian Cancer Connection’s purchase of teal ribbons this year to Turn the Towns Teal. The annual event occurs each year during September in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
        “We are so excited to work closely with Mercy Health to raise awareness and educate the community on the early warning signs of ovarian cancer,” said Gini Steinke, executive director of the Ovarian Cancer Connection. “For years, Mercy Health has been a strong supporter of the Ovarian Cancer Connection and the Turn the Towns Teal awareness campaign.”
        To learn more about the OCC, visit ovarianconnection.org
        Turn the Towns Teal is a national campaign represented in all 50 states with the mission of raising awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of the cancer can lead to early detection with a 90-95% success rate. Although the primary mission is to raise awareness to the symptoms of ovarian cancer, the national campaign also promotes support for survivors.
        “Our partnership with the OCC further enriches our comprehensive oncology program, and it is our hope that the teal ribbons will inspire routine pelvic exams, the confidence to report abnormalities, and support for survivors of ovarian cancer, in addition to honoring those we have lost to the disease,” said Lori Dine, service lines community program manager at Mercy Health – Toledo.
        Potential symptoms may include:
        • Bloating
        • Pelvic or abdominal pain/discomfort
        • Persistent gastrointestinal upsets
        • Difficulty eating or bloating quickly
        • Urinary symptoms (frequent or urgent)
        • Unexplained changes in bowel habits
        • Unexplained weight gain or loss
        • Ongoing usual fatigue
        • Back pain
        • Menstrual changes
        • Pain during intimacy
        Women whose symptoms persist for 10 days to two weeks should consult their gynecologist or physician. 
        Risk factors to ovarian cancer may include genetic predisposition (BRCA1/BRCA2 gene); family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer; hormone replacement therapy; reproductive history and infertility and increasing age.
        Steinke says, “Do not ignore the risk factors and symptoms of ovarian cancer. If something does not feel right, contact your local physician or gynecologist.”