Jean Gordon
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 1:20 pm
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Teal ribbons have been tied on lampposts and other areas along Main Street Rutherfordton calling attention to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in honor of Town Attorney Beth Miller. Miller was diagnosed with the disease in 2018 and said she is grateful for the attention called to ovarian cancer and early detection.
The ribbons came from the Turn the Towns Teal Organization which is dedicated to educating women and the men that love them about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Shannon Routh, an ovarian cancer survivor, who founded the Teal Diva organization to support other survivors and to educate the community on the signs and symptoms of this insidious disease.
Turn The Towns Teal® was the inspiration of Gail MacNeil of Chatham, New Jersey. Teal is the color associated with Ovarian Cancer, and it was Gail who came up with the clever, alliterative title Turn the Towns Teal and laid the foundation of the entire campaign.
Early detection is critical for a better prognosis, explains Miller.
"I had never heard of ovarian cancer, knew nothing about it and it cost me. I don't want the same to happen to you. Know the symptoms, know your body, talk to your doctor," Beth Miller said.
Statistics say one in 78 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in their lifetime. There is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer and a Pap smear does not check for it. Ovarian cancer can still develop even if you have had your ovaries removed.
The teal ribbons throughout downtown will spread awareness. To learn more about the program and ovarian cancer please visit www.turnthetownsteal.org