Local Group Marks National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month—Petaluma Style

“Until there’s a test, awareness is best.”

That’s the slogan that most accurately describes National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month according to Lydia Zipp, executive director and founding board member of The Women’s Cancer Awareness Group, based in Petaluma.

Approximately 22,400 women are diagnosed each year with ovarian cancer and of those, 15,000 will die because ovarian cancer is typically diagnosed at a very advanced stage due to the lack of awareness of symptoms. Unlike mammograms and pap smears for breast and uterine cancer, there is no specific test for ovarian cancer. 

According to Zipp, a 12-year ovarian cancer survivor, the original mission of the Women’s Cancer Awareness Group (WCAG) was to educate women about symptoms and risk factors and provide resources.

“We found that people wanted more than information,” said Zipp, “they wanted to come together for support, so we started our education and empowerment groups for women with all types of cancer.”

Judy Oster, a Petaluma resident and volunteer at the , was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in May and is currently undergoing treatment. She found out about WCAG through a former colleague.

“There’s so much misinformation out there,” says Oster. I was very impressed with how upbeat and supportive the group is.  I attended the September 2nd program featuring Dr. Lee May Chen from UCSF speaking about symptoms. I wish I had been aware of the symptoms sooner.”

Ovarian cancer symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly and urinary symptoms such as urgency or frequency. Women who have these symptoms daily for more than a few weeks should see a gynecologist. Zipp suggests that women keep a daily journal of symptoms that they can take to their doctor.

In unique Petaluma style, The Women’s Cancer Awareness Group has drawn attention to Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by knit bombing the Petaluma Arts Center.  For the uninitiated, knit bombing, also known as yarn storms, are non-permanent yarn installations.

The practice is believed to have originated in the U.S. with Texas knitters trying to find a creative way to use their leftover and unfinished knitting projects. Knit bombs, which are technically illegal, have been seen on everything from vehicles to buildings.

“Teal is the color that represents ovarian cancer,” said Zipp, “so we decided that we would tie teal-colored ribbons on light poles around Petaluma. Then, one of our board members, an avid knitter, came up with the idea of creating a knit bomb. Over 60 people helped with the bombing.  Many of them had some connection to cancer.”

The teal-colored knit bomb is on the exterior of the Petaluma Arts Center though September. 

The Women’s Cancer Awareness Group is hosting a lecture on Friday, September 9th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the , 518 B Street. The lecture will feature guest speaker Kami McBride, an herbal medicine woman who has taught at Stanford and UCSF and is currently with the Living Awareness Institute. She will speak about Herbs for Healthy Living.

Two more programs dealing with nutrition are scheduled for October and November. For more information go to: www.WCAGroup.net or call 707-769-8325.

WCAG also offers a free North Bay focused resource guide put together by hundreds of cancer survivors.