Township Goes Teal To Support Ovarian Cancer Month

Residents will see teal ribbons tied around the old oak trees as Jefferson Township has declared September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Councilwoman Debi Merz and township health educator Kristine Wilsusen displayed teal ribbons that are available at the and , along with educational information on the disease that is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States.

According to a township proclamation, ovarian cancer has a lack of early symptoms and effective screening tests.

“It is crucial that women learn to recognize the warning signs and detect the disease as early as possible,” Merz said. “The five-year survival rate for the disease is only 28 percent I encourage all women to learn about risk factors, including family history, and to discuss possible symptoms, including abdominal pain, with their doctor.”

Wilsusen said that bookmarks and a card with educational information on the disease, along with the ribbons, are available at the health center and municipal building.