Ladies Day Out expo to benefit ovarian cancer awareness

~ If detected at its earliest stage, the disease has five-year survival rate of more than 93 percent.

September was Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, but it's never too late to get the word out about a disease responsible for an estimated 16,000 deaths this year in the United States.

Ladies Day Out, a home-based business and craft expo to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Osage Community Centre, was created to benefit ovarian cancer awareness. Admission is free, and the proceeds from more than 60 booth space rentals will benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the St. Louis Area Cancer Awareness organization. Representatives from the St. Louis Area Cancer Awareness organization will be in attendance.

"This is a good chance to help a good cause and beat the holiday shopping rush," said Debra Rau. "It's a great way to promote women's health issues while having some fun."

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest form of gynecological cancers and, if detected at its earliest stage, the disease has a five-year survival rate of more than 93 percent.

Ladies Day Out features a handmade quilt made with teal support ribbons -- the color associated with ovarian cancer -- and signatures of those who have been given information about ovarian cancer symptoms.

The quilt was made for ovarian cancer survivor Joni Adams Bliss of Cape Girardeau. The awareness quilt expects to spread the word about symptoms that can be similar to gastric problems and because of that is known as the "silent" disease. Abdominal pressure, bloating, discomfort, nausea, indigestion or gas, urinary frequency, constipation or diarrhea; unusual fatigue; unexplained weight loss or gain; shortness of breath and rectal pain are among the symptoms.

The quilt was created by Rau and her mother, Jewel Eggley.

"If even one person learns about the symptoms and goes to their doctor a little sooner, this event will be all worthwhile," Rau said.

River City Health Clinic, 224 N. Frederick St., will distribute vouchers for a free pelvic exam to women who can't afford one.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133