Teal Talk Day
Also known as
Global Teal Talk Day
Observed
annually on September 23rd (since 2017)
Dates
September 23rd, 2022
September 23rd, 2023
September 23rd, 2024
September 23rd, 2025
September 23rd, 2026
Founded by
Ovarcome in 2017
Tags
Awareness & Advocacy
Health & Wellness
Women
Hashtags
Sources
Teal Talk Day was founded by Ovarcome, an ovarian cancer foundation, to get people talking about ovarian cancer in an effort to raise awareness about it. The day, which takes place during National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, is celebrated in honor of all women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a disease that should be talked about every day, but especially today. On the day, people wear teal, the color associated with ovarian cancer, and have a "Teal Talk" with others. They might invite people out for lunch, over to their house, or simply for a walk, and during this, they talk about ovarian cancer to their companions. They talk about the importance of early detection and in knowing symptoms. They encourage listeners to visit gynecologists. They ask about family history and encourage those listening to share what they know about their history with their daughters and granddaughters.
Ovarian is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and the fifth deadliest cancer overall for women. One in 78 women in the United States are affected by it, and one in 108 die from it. Approximately 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with it each year, and 14,000 die annually. Worldwide, over 249,000 women are diagnosed with it each year. If detected and treated early, it can be managed.
Ovarian cancer may start in the ovaries or in the far ends of fallopian tubes. There are three types of cells that make up ovaries, and they may produce one of three types of tumors: epithelial, germ cell, and stromal. Most tumors are epithelial tumors, which start in cells that cover the outer part of the ovaries. Germ cell tumors start from cells that produce eggs, and stromal tumors start from cells that hold the ovaries together and produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some tumors are benign, but malignant or borderline (low malignant potential) tumors can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal.
How to Observe Teal Talk Day
Celebrate the day by donning teal and having a Teal Talk with friends or family. Perhaps you could set the stage for the talk by inviting a group of friends or family out for lunch or over to your house for a get-together. Some things to include in the Teal Talk include:
- The importance of early detection and knowing symptoms.
- Encouraging women to visit a gynecologist.
- Asking about family history of the disease and encouraging women to share this history with their daughters and granddaughters.
You don't need to limit your Teal Talks to only those you can see in person. You could also share about ovarian cancer on social media and use the hashtag #TealTalkDay.