Fighting ovarian cancer

Each year, 400 Minnesota women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Nationally, the number reaches 22,000 annually, and the disease claims 14,000 of those women each year.

"It's got a very high fatality rate because most women are diagnosed late," said Kathleen Gavin, executive director of the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). "Women often feel really taken by surprise."

The nonprofit is launching the "Tie it Teal" awareness campaign this fall, urging people to use teal shoelaces to spark discussion and public education.

Chief among the goals is increasing knowledge of ovarian cancer symptoms, which people often dismiss because they can be vague and mimic common illnesses.

MOCA recommends women see a doctor if the following symptoms persist or get progressively worse over time:

• Bloating

• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

• Urgent or frequent urinary symptoms

While women over 45 account for most of the cases, ovarian cancer can strike women of all ages, and younger women are the most likely to be misdiagnosed, Gavin said.

MOCA hosts events throughout the year to increase awareness, support women with ovarian cancer and their families and raise money to further research into early detection, better treatment and a cure.

For more information about ovarian cancer or the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, go to www.mnovarian.org.