Hundreds took part in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Balance 5-K sunday morning at the Domain in North Austin to raise awareness for a "silent killer" of women.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition in Austin works to improve the survival rate and the quality of life for women living with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is known at a silent killer of women because there are often no symptoms until the disease is in advanced stages. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women.
Race director Michelle Graham said the Balance 5-K at the Domain has grown every year. Now more than 1,000 people take part including runners, walkers, children, and ovarian cancer survivors.
“It's one of those diseases that is not talked about enough. We're out here to get more exposure and get people talking about it,” Graham said.
Ovarian cancer survivor Trish Hooker said she was diagnosed at Stage One.
“Ovarian cancer was so far off my radar that it was a perfect storm of good luck I was diagnosed that early,” Hooker said.
Hooker said every woman should be an advocate for their own health. She said doctors often mistake ovarian cancer for something else.
“Ask questions. Say I know that I feel bloated, I'm having issues eating. I know all these things could be signs of ovarian cancer. I'm worried, can you please check that and cross it off your list before we move on to other things,” Hooker said.
When ovarian cancer is caught in its early stages, there is a 90 percent survival rate.
Scott and White Health plan and Texas Oncology are both sponsors of the 5-K.
