September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and in recognition, Crouse Hospital will illuminate its clock tower in teal the week of September 9 to help bring awareness to ovarian cancer, the fifth most common cause of cancer death in women, as well as awareness about the risks, prevention, early detection, and optimal treatment of other gynecologic cancers, including cervical, endometrial and uterine cancers.
Statistics show that a woman’s risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about one in 67. The risk of getting this cancer and dying from it is one in 95. According to Crouse gynecologic oncologist Mary Cunningham, MD, the cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but certain risk factors are associated with the disease. These include:
- Family history of ovarian cancer, especially in mother, sister, or daughter
- Certain gene mutations, including BRCA1, BRCA2
- Being age 50 or older
- Menstrual history—first period before age 12 or late menopause
- Infertility
- Personal history of breast cancer
Locally, efforts to create awareness and raise funds for ovarian cancer have been heavily supported by the O'Hara family, which lost their sister Maureen to the disease earlier this year. The family’s annual "Teal There's a Cure" 5K run/walk, held this summer, attracted 700 participants and raised more than $45,000, bringing the four-year total to $100,000. Donations have been distributed to the local GRACE’S Gynecologic Cancer Support Group as well as national organizations including the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, American Cancer Society and the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
Upcoming Community Event: The 4th Annual Teal Ribbon 5K Walk/Run for Ovarian Cancer - Sept. 23, 2012
Additional Resources
Crouse Online Health Information
Interactive Ovarian Cancer Quiz
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Foundation for Women’s Cancer
Central New York Resource: Grace’s Garden – Teal There is a Cure
In Her Own Words: Living with Ovarian Cancer