You’ve probably noticed that a visit to Newk’s Eatery usually comes with a teal cup during the month of September. But then you see pretty purple everything for events like Move4Her, a fundraising event supporting the Foundation for Women’s Cancer.
While you may feel the two colors are competing for their fair share of attention during September, do you know what they represent? We all know pink in October signifies breast cancer awareness. So let’s take a look at September’s colors, teal and purple, and their respective causes.
TEAL = OVARIAN CANCER
When you see teal ribbons in September, it’s a safe bet that these are aimed at raising awareness, funds for research and support for those affected by ovarian cancer during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.
Although Ovarian Cancer is relatively rare compared to others, patients generally have no symptoms or warning signs until it is in advanced stages, meaning that those who are diagnosed face steep odds.
There are no screening tests for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic patients, although a visit to a primary care provider or OB/GYN that includes a routine pap smear also includes a manual palpation (or feeling) of the ovaries, which could detect the presence of more significant masses.
PURPLE = GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
OK, so this is where it gets a little confusing. September is also Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. The purple you see while out and about, thought admittedly less-commonly than teal, is in support of patients, research, treatment and awareness for gynecologic cancer.
Gynecologic cancer is an umbrella term for cancers of the female reproductive system. The Foundation for Women’s Cancers groups these cancers into five subsets: ovarian, endometrial/uterine, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer.
Each year, more than 110,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. Some types can be screened for with tests like routine pap smears or even prevented in large part by HPV vaccines, such as cervical cancer. Others are sneakier, harder to detect and more difficult to treat.
HOW IT ALL FITS
In the same way that all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares, all ovarian cancer is gynecologic cancer, but not all gynecologic cancer is ovarian. While ovarian cancer is less common, it is highly deadly. And while gynecologic cancers are considered common, some types are more easily detected, diagnosed and treated than others.
OUR TAKE? OBSERVE BOTH
Whether you choose to wear teal, purple or a little bit of both, you’re showing support and love and raising awareness for cancers that affect the lives of thousands of women each year. Take some time this month to acknowledge with knowledge by learning more about gynecologic cancers.
Learn more about Singing River Health System at https://singingriverhealthsystem.com/.
