Letters: Think Teal

From Assemblyman Dan Benson, 14th Legislative District
To the editor:
   We all have been touched by a loved one, friend or acquaintance that has fought the brave fight against cancer while suffering its horrific effects. We all know how difficult and helpless it feels to want to do something to assist and ask if it could have been prevented or detected earlier so that a life could be saved.
   As we mark September as “Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month” with teal ribbons decorating our towns, there is something we can do. We can spread awareness and educate others about this terrible disease, which is the fifth leading cause of death in women in the U.S.
   Since there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, awareness and early detection are critical. It is important to know the symptoms even though they may be very subtle. You can make sure every woman in your life pays attention to changes in their health that they may attribute to other common conditions like persistent indigestion and unexplained changes in bowel habits, or weight gain or loss with no known reason and encourage them to consult their doctor.
   Learn more about ovarian cancer and get involved with these worthwhile organizations: www.tealtea.comwww.turnthetownsteal.org and www.tealwingsofhopefoundation.org. We can all make a difference for the ones we love by spreading the word about ovarian cancer, so that it is no longer “The Silent Disease.”

Assemblyman Dan Benson

D-14th Legislative District

 
The writer is the vice-chairman of the Assembly Health Committee and serves on the Advisory Board of the Teal Tea Foundation, a nonprofit organization.