Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, and accounts for more deaths than any other gynecologic cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that 22,440 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year in the U.S.
Leah Lentz works with area high schools, NSU and the Natchitoches community to “Turn the Town Teal” during the month of September to raise awareness. For 2023 this initiative is focusing on men. Often times no one knows what their genetic history is until they’re in a crisis.
Every Tuesday of September, residents can Turn Teal and help raise awareness.
Turn Teal Natchitoches is spearheaded by Leah Coleman Lentz in memory of her mother, Sue Gregory Coleman, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2012. Lentz, a counselor at Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, has for the last several years organized events to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its impact on the community.
Recognition of the warning signs are essential to an early detection and effective treatment; and early symptoms of ovarian cancer are commonly overlooked, public awareness and knowledge are essential to getting a diagnosis before the cancer worsens. It is critical that those affected by ovarian cancer have the proper resources and access to health care to prevent, detect, treat, and ultimately defeat ovarian cancer and all cancers.
Ovarian cancer and the hardship it brings have affected too many lives. This month. the City of Natchitoches stands with everyone who has been touched by this disease, and we recognize all those committed to advancing the fight against this cancer through research, advocacy, and quality care.
Now, therefore, I, Ronnie Williams, Jr., Mayor, and the Natchitoches City Council, do hereby proclaim September 2023 as: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Natchitoches, and encourage all citizens to honor ovarian cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers, and remember those who have lost their lives to this devastating disease.
