By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Ovarian cancer survivor Roxanne Bright is wearing teal each day to show her support of September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Bright said teal is the color that represents ovarian cancer, and urges others to ‘Turn it to Teal’ to support local ovarian cancer survivors.
“I want to make sure I wear teal every day in September, even if it’s not all teal, I want to wear something teal each day,” Bright said.
Bright said she will celebrate five years of survivor ship in January. But for most folks diagnosed with ovarian cancer, surviving five years is not the norm.
“There are some other ovarian cancer survivors in the area,” Bright said. “The mortality of ovarian cancer is very high because the disease masks itself as other things. When you are having pain and other issues, it’s not really the first things doctors check for.”
Bright said in addition to wearing teal, she has taken to her Facebook page to post facts to help folks learn more about this dreaded disease. Her Facebook page facts from Wednesday are attached to this article.
“The saddest number on that list is that the mortality rate for ovarian cancer has not changed in 30 years,” Bright said. “We are n
ot moving forward with changes and things we need to find cures. We need to find ways to lengthen the time you have when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It breaks my heart…it just simply breaks my heart.”
“We are losing beautiful, beautiful women to this horrible, horrible disease and things need to change,” Bright said.
Some of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include frequent urination, bloating and back pain. “When I rattle those off, lots of women say they have had those symptoms before. If you have these signs and symptoms, I encourage you to speak with your physician. You can see why it is hard to diagnose. With those symptoms, ovarian cancer is not at the forefront of the physician’s mind.”
Bright said when she was diagnosed, her physician administered the CEA-125. She said her readings from this test were within the normal range, even though she had ovarian cancer.
“My physician said the test is only about 50 percent accurate,” Bright said. “That is also a horrifying statistic. Had we based my information solely on that blood test, I might not be celebrating five years of survivorship in January.”
“That is something we need – a more accurate test to detect ovarian cancer – that would help woman find something more definitive so we do not have the high mortality rates with ovarian cancer.”
Bright said everyone is very aware that pink represents breast cancer, but not many folks know teal is for ovarian cancer awareness. She said nothing would make her happier than to see folks stand up for ovarian cancer awareness and show their support with teal clothing, ribbons and other signs of support.
“If you know someone who is battling or has survived ovarian cancer, send them a card, get them something teal, give them a phone call, or in some way acknowledge their battle or survivorship,” Bright said. “We are a real color. We sympathize with our pink sisters and what they are going through and what they have to endure. But there are other colors out there.”
Bright said she hopes to get awareness out there for ovarian cancer. “Every cancer matters.”