September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and millions across the country will wear teal to support the cause and help battle this deadly disease. The American Cancer Society states that in 2019, over 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and nearly 14,000 will lose their battle. This cancer ranks fifth in total cancer deaths in women and is generally found in females over the age of 63. Marietta Wrecker has teamed up with the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance to help bring a better understanding and much-needed support to the ovarian cancer cases in the state of Georgia.
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer is a type of disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found inside, near, or on the outer layer of the ovaries. An ovary is one of two small almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus, that store eggs or germ cells, and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Risk factors associated with ovarian cancer
A risk factor is a factor that increases your likelihood of developing a disease. For example, high exposure to sunlight would be a risk factor for skin cancer. However, having one or even multiple risk factors does not guarantee the development of a disease. On the other side, some women who develop ovarian cancer do not possess risk factors.
Age— Most ovarian cancer cases develop after menopause. Ovarian cancer in women below the age of 40 is uncommon.
Obesity— Studies have explored the correlation between obesity and ovarian cancer, and found women with obesity, with a body mass index of at least 30, have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy— especially with long-term use and in large doses.
Smoking
Having children later in life
Never having a full-term pregnancy
Fertility Treatments
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
What can you do to help?
There are many ways to get involved in the fight against ovarian cancer. Donating your time and money to the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance or the American Cancer Society, reaching out to your local hospitals to offer assistance, and wearing the color teal will all help in combating ovarian cancer and making scientific efforts to irradicate it with advancements in medicine and treatments.
Join Marietta Wrecker Service this Saturday, September 14th for the Teal Trot 5K. Hosted at Chastain Park in Atlanta, the Teal Trot is one of the largest ovarian cancer awareness events in the Southeast. Ovarian cancer survivors and patients walk for free and proceeds from the event will be given to the ongoing support and fight against Georgia’s statewide education and awareness of ovarian cancer.
Details:
Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Check-In & Walk-Up Registration: 7:45 AM
Walk/Run Start: 9:30 AM
Every Tuesday, Marietta Wrecker Service celebrates TEAL TUESDAY. Our entire team joins together to rep a t-shirt reading, “I wear TEAL for the warriors, survivors and the departed”. MWS’s Facebook page also dedicates every Tuesday to Ovarian Cancer Awareness to help educate and spread awareness.
