Wood Dale teen credits 'TEAL - Take Early Action and Live' for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer

September marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer related deaths in women today.

Contrary to popular belief, anybody born with an ovary is at risk of being diagnosed with the deadly disease - regardless of age. Since there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, most diagnoses happen in late-stages when survival odds are low. Not only is this disease impacting women around the world, but it has personally touched the lives of one family in our very own backyard.

Berkeley resident Ariana Alcalde, aged 38, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 17 years old when she was hospitalized for a 14 cm. tumor on her ovary following months of suffering from constant bloating, and other symptoms that were being brushed off by doctors as "growing pains".

After dealing with a lifetime of exploratory surgeries, tumors, cysts, chemotherapy, and organ removal following her diagnosis, Alcalde was adamant that her sister take her then 14-year-old niece Isabel Quevedo of Wood Dale to the hospital when she was experiencing similar symptoms.

Thanks to her aunt's and mother's knowledge of the disease, Isabel, now 16, was diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer in its very early stages. In fact, she credits her early detection and treatment to knowing the signs and symptoms from Alcalde.

This September, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition encourages everyone to remember "TEAL - Take Early Action and Live."

"Only 20% of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in stage 1 and 2, when the 5-year survival rate is 65%, but nearly 80% are diagnosed in the later stages when the 5-year survival rate plummets to 29%," says Illinois Chapter Manager Sandra Cord. "We need to be proactive in educating women to identify the symptoms of ovarian cancer to increase early detection and survival odds."

Early detection saves lives. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are subtle and vague: bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; trouble eating or feeling full quickly; and feeling the need to urinate urgently or often.

Other symptoms can include: fatigue, upset stomach or heartburn, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, or menstrual changes.

Women experiencing symptoms that are new and persist for more than two weeks should talk to a gynecologist as soon as possible.

"Since there is no early detection test, it is absolutely crucial for women and their peers to know the deadly disease's signs and symptoms," adds Cord. "We need to empower women to be their own advocate. If something feels wrong, consult your doctor and don't stop asking questions until you have an answer. Self-advocacy can save your life."

For more information on signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and how to get involved, visit ovarian.org.

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Illinois Chapter supports research to find a reliable early detection test, more effective treatments and a cure through their partnership with Stand Up To Cancer. They also provide support for women and their families affected by this disease.