Teal Toes Gives Message: Know Signs of Ovarian Cancer

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- It's a fun way to draw attention to a very important message.

Ovarian cancer is no longer being called, "The Silent Killer." Women are painting their toenails teal to mark Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, September.

But the message is crucial all year around.

Dr. Stephen Buckley, a local expert on ovarian cancer, is working with his staff and cancer patients to get the word out.

Here are the symptoms or signs of ovarian cancer:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Urinary urgency
• Pelvic discomfort or pain
• Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate
• Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full
• Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• A persistent lack of energy
• Low back pain
• Changes in menstruation

If any of these signs persist for weeks, call a doctor.

Is there a reliable test to find ovarian cancer early? Dr. Buckley's staff says no.

But you can request a vaginal ultrasound and a pelvic exam. The key is to see a GYN doctor and insist you believe something is wrong or different about your body. Telll your doctor you've heard about ovarian cancer and you want to rule that out.

Click on the video to meet Ann, a Jacksonville woman who's battled ovarian cancer for almost five years now.

For more information you can try these websites:

Teal Toes

The Women's Cancer Network

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

Dr. Stephen Buckley's office is on Monroe Street in Lavilla in Jacksonville.

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