Teal Awareness Ribbon

A Symbol of Hope in the Fight Against  Ovarian Cancer

What the Teal Cancer Ribbon Represents

The teal cancer ribbon is the designated symbol for ovarian cancer awareness and all gynecologic cancers. When you see someone wearing a teal ribbon or teal clothing, they’re helping raise awareness for a disease that affects 1 in 78 women, a cancer that’s often called the “silent killer” because symptoms don’t typically appear until late stages. 

At Harts of Teal, we believe the teal cancer ribbon represents more than awareness, it represents hope, community, and the strength of women supporting women through the most challenging journey of their lives.

Why Ovarian Cancer Needs Your Attention

 

85% of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, when the disease has already spread beyond the ovaries. Unlike other cancers, there’s currently no screening test for ovarian cancer, and symptoms are often mistaken for common digestive issues.

The teal cancer ribbon reminds us that:

  • Most women recur within 12-18 months of initial treatment
  • Georgia has the highest death rate from ovarian cancer in the nation at 62%
  • Pap smears do not detect ovarian cancer
  • Women can still develop ovarian cancer even after a hysterectomy

 

Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Help

The teal cancer ribbon serves as a reminder to listen to your body. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent bloating that doesn’t come and go
  • Feeling full quickly when eating
  • Changes in urinary frequency or urgency
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain and tenderness
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained fatigue

If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, don’t let them be explained away. Ask your doctor about a CA-125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound.

 

The Three Main Types of Ovarian Cancer

Understanding what the teal cancer ribbon represents means knowing the different types of ovarian cancer:

Epithelial:

  • High-Grade Serous – The most common and aggressive form, but responds better to treatment when caught early.
  • Low-Grade Serous – Slower growing but can be more stubborn to treat.

Germ Cell Tumors – More common in younger women, often with better prognosis and potential for fertility preservation.

Clear Cell Carcinoma– A relatively rare subtype.

Mucinous Carcinoma– A rare type usually found in older women.

Endometrioid Carcinoma– Accounts for around 20% of epithelial ovarian cancer cases.

Some Others Include– Carcinosarcoma, Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary (SCCO), Malignant Brenner Tumor, Undifferentiated/Unclassified

 

Risk Factors and Prevention

While we wear the teal cancer ribbon to raise awareness, it’s important to understand your personal risk:

  • Genetic factors: BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome, and HER2 mutations increase risk
  • Family history: Ovarian and breast cancers are genetically linked
  • Age: Most common in women 50-60, but younger women can be affected
  • Environmental factors: Unknown causes, but somatic mutations can occur

 

Take Action: Ask your doctor about genetic testing, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Our Mission:
Supporting Teal Sisters

Our Mission: Supporting Teal Sisters 

Harts of Teal exists to support women diagnosed with ovarian cancer through:

We walk beside every woman facing ovarian or gynecologic cancer, from her first appointment through survivorship, with support built by people who have lived it. No woman diagnosed who comes through our doors will face this journey without a community beside her.

Immediate Support

  • Blessing bags with comfort items for chemotherapy
  • Personal follow-up and encouragement
  • Prayer and emotional support

Ongoing Community

  • Monthly support group meetings in Peachtree City
  • Virtual encouragement calls reaching rural communities
  • Social media connection to reduce isolation

Advocacy Efforts

  • Partnership with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
  • Capitol Hill advocacy for increased research funding
  • Community education and awareness campaigns

John 14:1- “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

 

September: Ovarian & Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month

Every September, we encourage everyone to wear the teal cancer ribbon and participate in awareness activities:

  • Wear Teal Tuesdays – Share facts and photos on social media
  • Light buildings and landmarks in teal
  • Candlelight for Her Fight – Honor those affected
  • Share the message that pap smears don’t detect ovarian cancer

 

Hope Through Research and Treatment

While the teal cancer ribbon represents current challenges, it also symbolizes hope through advancing treatments:

  • PARP inhibitors extending progression-free survival
  • Maintenance therapies like Avastin providing longer remission periods
  • HIPEC treatment (heated chemotherapy) for aggressive cases
  • Ongoing research for early detection methods

 

Your Support Makes a Difference

When you support the teal cancer ribbon cause, you’re helping:

  • Provide blessing bags to newly diagnosed women
  • Meals, cards of encouragement, care packages, and flowers
  • Fund support group meetings and virtual calls
  • Raise awareness that saves lives through early detection
 
 
 

Take Action Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms: Don’t wait. Ask your doctor about ovarian cancer screening options.

If you want to support: Wear teal, share our message, and consider donating to support newly diagnosed women.

If you’re newly diagnosed: You’re not alone. Our community of teal sisters is here to support you through every step of your journey.

The teal cancer ribbon isn’t just a symbol, it’s a call to action. Together, we can ensure no woman faces ovarian cancer alone.

The teal cancer ribbon represents hope, awareness, and the unbreakable bond between women fighting ovarian cancer. Join our community of teal sisters today.