September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Many events are scheduled to keep diagnosis and research in our minds, and you may see more people wearing the color teal. Ovarian cancer has a 90% survival rate if found early, and is usually deadly if not. Sadly, fewer than 1 in five cases is found early.

Most of the symptoms of Ovarian cancer are vague: bloating; abdominal pain; difficulty eating, feeling full quickly; disruptions in urination; rectal bleeding. It can be hard to trace these symptoms until it is much too late. Often, there are delays investigating the symptoms even when a patient knows something is not right. Luckily, there are tests available to assist in early diagnosis. There are also some ways for a woman to lower her risk of ovarian cancer.

Being aware is more than wearing teal.