September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. The color representing Ovarian Cancer is teal and the cause is a cure. Every day 54 women are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Ovarian cancer is the number one deadliest gynecologic cancer. The five-year survival rate is less than 48%. Women in their late teens to senior citizens can be at risk for Ovarian cancer.

Risks factors for ovarian cancer include a family history for ovarian, breast or colon cancer, never being pregnant and having the variant KRAS gene or the BRCA genes.

Symptoms associated with ovarian cancer include feeling bloated, early satiety with eating, change in bowel habits, urinary symptoms, abdominal/pelvic pain and unexplained increase in abdominal girth.

The Margaret H. Thoma Cans for a Cure collects and recycles aluminum cans using the proceeds to support Ovarian Cancer Research. More than 3,200 pounds of aluminum cans have been recycled thanks to the efforts of many people. PLEASE continue to assist in this effort to support Ovarian Cancer research by bringing aluminum cans to Faith Lutheran Church located at the corner of Wilson Ave. and Bragg Circle in Tullahoma.

Additional information concerning Ovarian Cancer contact Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at www.ocrahope.org or (866) 399-6263.

Beth Thoma, MD

Tullahoma