Here’s inspiration behind teal ribbons in downtown Northville
A teal ribbon reminding people of ovarian cancer is tied around a light post in Downtown Northville. Photo by Liz Cezat
Have you noticed teal ribbons tied around lamp posts in downtown Northville in recognition of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month? The legwork was done mostly by women who have survived this cancer and want others to know that ovarian cancer is one of the silent cancers with subtle symptoms.
There’s no early detection test for ovarian cancer, said Northville’s Terrie Karebian, local organizer of the campaign and four-time ovarian cancer survivor. There’s a high recurrence rate, and typically, people are only diagnosed correctly 15 percent of the time.
Symptom awareness is vitally important. To track ovarian cancer symptoms, use this symptom diary.
Annually, there are 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in the U.S., with 600 to 700 cases occurring in Michigan. Approximately 14,000 women die of ovarian cancer or a related illness in the U.S. each year. It’s the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths, according to the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MIOCA).
Working to improve funding for survivors
Representing ovarian cancer survivors from across the state, MIOCA works to advance federal and state legislation to improve funding and support for survivors. The nonprofit speaks as the voice of survivors educating legislators about the public policy initiatives critical to saving lives from ovarian cancer. Each March, MIOCA sends a group of advocates to Washington, D.C., for the National Ovarian Cancer Lobby Day to represent the voices of those affected by ovarian cancer.
In addition to advocating for legislation, MIOCA provides resources and support to survivors and their families, educates Michigan communities, and funds innovative ovarian cancer research.
Thank you to Northville Communications Director Liz Cezat for contributing this article to SocialHouseNews.com.
