Last night, the iconic LAX pylons and the exterior of Los Angeles City Hall and were illuminated in teal-colored lights, the nationally-recognized color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. For the fourth year in a row, Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez (CD6), and Council Members Paul Koretz (CD5) and Monica Rodriguez (CD7) have recognized Ovarian Cancer Awareness in City Council announcements…but due to COVID there was no in-person presentation this year, as there has been in the past.
The illumination of City Hall and the LAX pylons is inspired by the work of the grassroots non-profit organization The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini (co-founded by Babbini’s mother Paulinda Babbini), UCLA gynecologic oncologist Dr. Sanaz Memarzadeh, and ovarian cancer survivors. It is The Circle’s intention to educate the public about the disease, highlighting the often-missed, silent symptoms and the importance of being your own health care advocate.
Ovarian Cancer is one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers. More than 22,000 women are diagnosed each year with a 50 percent mortality rate. And for those who fight it successfully, there is still a 50 percent chance of recurrence. Ovarian Cancer can happen to any woman of any age. Women should know that while annual pap tests determine cervical cancer, it does not detect ovarian cancer. In fact, there is no early detection test for the disease other than a CA125 test (which measures for the cancer antigen 125 protein), which is not always accurate. Therefore, ovarian cancer usually gets diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, which is partly why it has a high mortality rate. Women need to know the symptoms and should talk to their doctor about a trans-vaginal ultrasound exam, although insurance companies may not cover the procedure.
Visit The Ovarian Cancer Circle/Inspired by Robin Babbini website for more information and to participate in the “Teal There’s A Cure” Virtual 5K running from Sept. 29th – Oct. 13th.
