Featured photo: Flint School of Performing Arts Guitarist Kyle Canjar and Vocalist Pia
Borden Williams. Photo provided by Diann Glaza-Helblin
Written by Tanya Terry
In 2020, in the U.S., 18,518 new cases of ovarian cancer were reported among women, with 13,438 women dying of it, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out. In fact, ovarian cancer is one of the most fatal cancers diagnosed in women in the United States (U.S.), according to ScienceDirct. The ScienceDirect website points out data from national databases, including the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, show racial/ethnic differences in risk and survival of epithelial ovarian cancer with higher incidence among white women yet worse survival among African-American women compared to other racial/ethnic group.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abdominal pain, pelvic pain, bloating and frequent urination.
“A lot of our survivors before they’re diagnosed are feeling like they’re full after even taking one bite of food,” stated Diann Glaza-Helbling, event manager for Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
“That’s a very common symptom,” Glaza-Helbling restressed.
Glaza-Helbling suggests finding out if anyone in your family has had ovarian cancer, which can put a person at a greater genetic risk.
“Knowledge is power,” she said.
Glaza-Helbling pointed out there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer. She added it is common for even doctors to assume symptoms of ovarian cancer are associated with other conditions instead of what it is. They may think the patient is menopausal or there is something gastric in their stomach.
Glaza-Helbling pointed out the tool to fight ovarian cancer, since no test exists, is to educate and raise awareness.
The Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance will host an awareness event, called “UnTeal There is A Cure Concert for Awareness,” from 12 -3 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, at University of Michigan Rink on the UM-Flint campus.
At the event, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Mayor Sheldon Neeley will speak. Musical performances will take place by Flint School of Performing Arts Guitarist Kyle Canjar and Vocalist Pia Borden Williams. Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance and other vendors will have tables with giveaway items and health resources and information available.
The Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance will be passing out giveaway items such as lip balms and hand sanitizers. Hurley Medical Center will be sharing information about breast cancer and their medical services. They will have a game with prizes. Representatives from the Genesee County Health Department will also be in attendance.
The nationally recognized ovarian cancer color is teal, and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is September.
“We want folks to be very aware when they see a teal ribbon that it is for ovarian cancer awareness. Our organization actually does a campaign in September called Tie Michigan Teal. What we do is ask residents in their cities towns and villages to get permission from the city to allow them to tie actual ribbons that are teal with the awareness signs and symptoms on them. They tie them to lamp posts or park benches in the city.”
As this event grows, Glaza-Helbling said she would like Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the teal ribbon to become as familiar as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and the pink ribbon.
Although there is no early test, those experiencing ovarian cancer symptoms can request a pelvic exam from their doctors. If needed, the doctor could take it one step further and order a transvaginal ultrasound, which would show tumors or cysts in the ovaries. CA 125 is a blood screening that can also be ordered.
Those planning to attend the August 5 concert can learn more, while having fun and enjoying the day. Attendees should bring their own beach or lawn chair, if possible.
