September: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that September is both National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month? For the lovely ladies reading this blog today, this is dedicated to you.

The Facts:
The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,880 women will develop ovarian cancer this year. Sadly, another 13,850 are expected to die of the disease this year, too.

Over 50% of women with ovarian cancer are over the age of 65. Young ladies, don’t feel too relieved because that means almost 50% of women with ovarian cancer are under 65 years old. Younger women are, however, twice as likely to survive five years following their diagnosis than are their older counterparts.

As my friend and President of Cancer Schmancer, Fran Drescher, would say, “Early detection equals survival!” So, if you get anything out of today’s blog post, I hope it’s this: Know the early warning signs of the cancers that can affect you! You’re not too young, old, skinny, fat, dark, light, rich or poor for cancer. I promise you that.

Bottom line: Cancer doesn’t discriminate. So, hit the books, or at least these important websites. It may help you save a life, whether it be your own or that of a loved one.
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Women's Cancer Network

For more information specifically about ovarian cancer, here are some additional helpful links:
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

Luckily for you and I, the American public is becoming more and more interested in raising awareness for ovarian cancer. So, as you can imagine, lots of companies are following suit. As founder and CEO of Glamour Gone Good, Inc., I’m particularly excited to see the fashion and beauty worlds infusing ovarian cancer awareness into their work.

Some of my favorite campaigns and programs for National Ovarian Cancer Awareness this year include:

Super Saturday 13
Hosted by Donna Karan, QVC, and InStyle, Super Saturday 13 featured its famous one-of-a-kind designer garage sale with kids' carnival, gourmet dining and exciting activities galore on July 31, 2010 in Water Mill, NY, benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The event raised a whopping $3.3 million to support OCRF's mission of funding research to find a method of early detection and, ultimately, a cure for ovarian cancer.

It’s not too late to support the QVC Super Saturday campaign! Check out the Designer Sale going on now to benefit OCRF on QVC.com.

Rumpled to Runway Fashion Show
TV hostess, Kelly Ripa, and Electrolux asked a group of fashion bloggers to participate in a special ovarian cancer awareness-themed fashion show hosted by Kelly Ripa during New York Fashion Week.

In addition to raising awareness for ovarian cancer during Fashion Week, Electrolux has committed to donating $750,000 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund by donating a percentage of Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer purchases. Effective September 8th, visitors to www.Kelly-Confidential.com can also donate $1 to OCRF every time they press the Perfect Steam™ button.

Ovarian Health 101 National Teleconference
On September 20, 2010, Bright Pink, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and Sharsheret hosted a national teleconference about everything you need to know about ovarian health. The speakers shared cutting-edge information from leading medical experts on topics related to genetics, fertility preservation, cancer prevention, and so much more.

Teal Toes
Many nail polish brands have embraced ovarian cancer awareness by developing beautiful teal nail colors that, in many cases, contribute a percent of proceeds to ovarian cancer organizations.

Here are a few examples:
Priti NYC’s Tulip Tree Teal
Karma Organic’s Don’t Teal My Heart Away
Sephora by OPI’s Teal We Meet Again (does not donate percent of proceeds anywhere)

Know of any other fabulous ovarian cancer awareness campaigns? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Here's wishing you a very happy, healthy and safe National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! Please keep in touch and join our mailing list by registering at www.GlamourGoneGood.org.