Ovarian Cancer Awareness Organizations

Many times when you’re looking for something online, it seems to be buried in a bunch of unrelated posts. In the case of ovarian cancer awareness, organizations are either front-and-center or hidden by fundraising benefits, little merchandise companies, and movements among friends and communities.

If you’re looking for organizations that help to raise awareness of the disease, read through the list below. You can visit any of their sites and learn how to donate to research or help with the cause to raise awareness.

• Ovarian Cancer Awareness.org
• The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
• Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Foundation
• St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness
• Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness.org
•  The Greater Newburyport Ovarian Cancer Awareness (GNOCA) Group
• Turn the Towns Teal
• Teal Ribbon Comedy
• Why Teal?

Facts About BRCA1 and 2 Mutations

Mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes aren’t just causing breast cancer. Women who discover that they carry these genes are 80 percent more likely to develop breast cancer, and 40 percent more likely to develop ovarian cancer. With that knowledge, many women become “previvors” by undergoing double mastectomies (removing both breasts) before being diagnosed, or removing both ovaries.

There are a few things you should know about the BRCA genes.

• A woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation.
• Not all mutations are harmful. They can be beneficial or neutral, with no obvious effect.
• Harmful mutations can cause cancer before menopause.
• Women with harmful BRCA1 mutations may increase the risk of developing cervical, uterine, pancreatic, and colon cancer.
• Women with harmful BRCA2 mutations may increase the risk of pancreatic, stomach, gallbladder, and bile duct cancer, as well as melanoma.
• In the general population, 14 percent (14 out of 1,000) of women will develop ovarian cancer. However, the genetic mutation raises the statistic to 15-40 percent (150-400 out of 1,000) of women who will develop ovarian cancer.
• Not every woman in families that carry a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop cancer.
• Not every woman who has a harmful gene mutation will develop breast and/or ovarian cancer.
• Not every cancer in such families is linked to a harmful mutation in one of these genes.
• Men can be carriers of the mutations and their children can inherit them.
• Men can also be affected by the mutations and may develop breast cancer.
• Men with harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have an increased risk of breast, pancreatic, testicular, and early-onset prostate cancer.
• Mutations in several other genes (TP53, PTEN, STK11/LKB1, CDH1, CHEK2, ATM, MLH1, and MSH2) have been associated with hereditary breast and/or ovarian tumors.

Click here for more information.

Video reference: http://www.everydayhealth.com/breast-cancer/the-breast-cancer-gene-is-it-better-to-know-you-have-it-or-not-6778.aspx

Understanding Yourself Through Others

To know your body is to love your body, and doing just that can save your life. The importance of knowing your body and when it’s doing something strange cannot be stressed enough. But you also have to know what it is you should be looking for. Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is one of the most difficult of all cancers to detect. Fortunately, that does not mean you can’t detect it.

Four of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

1. Bloating
2. Pelvic or abdominal pain
3. Trouble eating or Feeling full quickly
4. Urinary urgency or frequency

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms or think you may be experiencing them, don’t be afraid to contact a doctor. Although it might be scary to discover your diagnosis, the sooner you do, the better off you are! 

And remember, if you are diagnosed, you are not alone! A woman’s risk in developing ovarian cancer in her lifetime is 1-in-71. Thankfully, there are millions of survival stories and the numbers are only rising! 

Check out Ovations for the Cure’s “The Whisper Network” for the different stories of others struggling with ovarian cancer and, if you’re feeling brave, share your own!

The Controversy Around the Gilda Club

Within the past week, the internet has been in an uproar about the Gilda Club Madison changing its name because younger patients today don’t recognize the esteemed SNL actress’s name. The club will phase into the new name of Cancer Support Community Southwest Wisconsin by January, which will help to encompass a wider area. That particular branch is the fourth affiliate within the global organization to make the change.

Gilda Radner was a comedian who performed on Saturday Night Live during the ’80s. She is best known for her original characters of Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella and Baba Wawa. And, she died from ovarian cancer in 1989 when she was 42 years old. Before her death, she did not keep quiet about the disease and instead put a very public face to it.

The Madison club is just a branch of about two dozen national affiliates belonging to the larger Gilda's Club, which is named after Radner's famous remark that compares cancer to a membership in "an elite club I'd rather not belong to.” The organization helps to provide emotional support, cancer education and wellness activities for cancer patients and their families. The Madison chapter was just established in 2008. Gilda’s Club Worldwide, which is based on the East Coast, and the Wellness Community, where Radner got support on the West Coast after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986, slowly grew together and joined forces in 2009. This means that the name change to Cancer Support Community makes a little sense. The other two affiliates to adopt a name change were North Texas and Milwaukee.

Executive Director of Gilda’s Club Madison Lannia Syren Stenz had this to say about the name change.

“...[O]ur college students were born after Gilda Radner passed, as we are seeing younger and younger adults who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis… We want to make sure that what we are is clear to them and that there’s not a lot of confusion that would cause people not to come in our doors."

In response to all of this, critics on social media have said “Shame on you.” They claim that changing the name suggests that Gilda’s legacy is not worth protecting, despite the fact that without Gilda’s celebrity status, ovarian cancer might not have received the attention it did. People have also claimed that changing the name is an insult to Gilda’s life, memory, and work. In addition, other branches—including New York, Grand Rapids (Mich.), and the national organization—have come out and staunchly proclaimed that their names will not change.

You can read more about the controversy below:

• http://boingboing.net/2012/11/27/gildas-club-name-change.html
• http://gawker.com/5963758/cancer-support-group-named-after-gilda-radner-changing-its-name-because-young-patients-dont-know-who-gilda-radner-is
• http://todayhealth.today.com/_news/2012/11/29/15544026-shame-on-you-backlash-builds-over-gildas-club-charity-name-change?lite
• http://www.globaltoronto.com/gildas+club+name+change+sparks+online+protests/6442762418/story.html
• http://host.madison.com/news/local/health_med_fit/gilda-s-club-changing-name-as-fewer-know-namesake/article_0893171c-53c8-50bd-900f-6381aee41f71.html

Why No Uproar Over Change in Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer Screenings?

A panel of medical experts called the United States Preventative Services Taskforce concluded in September that screening tests for ovarian cancer do more harm than good. As a result, insurers will not be required by law to pay for those tests.

Very few people argued about this.

Why?

1. Ovarian cancer is often rapidly fatal. This results in the lack of a crowd of survivors who will lobby for more aggressive screening. When people live for many years after diagnosis, it is hard to conduct large trials in order to find a survival benefit to screening or early treatment. In case of ovarian cancer, an effective screening test – if it saved lives – would be relatively easy to establish. The lack of a good screening test is not just the result of underpowered clinical trials. There is no true screening test that works, and there aren’t a lot of survivors who are convinced that the screening test saved their lives and who are willing or able to lobby.
2. Ovarian cancer screening has never been routine and has no public service announcement to prompt women to get tested. When people are used to getting something, such as a yearly mammogram, they also resist efforts to have it taken away.

Read the full article here.

Trust your body for early detection

Women must be trust their body’s signals to catch ovarian cancer early. The majority of ovarian tumors are benign and not cancerous, like cysts. Malignant tumors are more common in older or post-menopausal women, but it is crucial for women of all ages to be aware of bodily changes and compare them to a list of possible symptoms. Ovarian cancer is known as a silent killer for a reason and is incredibly difficult to diagnose because excuses can be made for most of the symptoms. Yet the signature sign of ovarian cancer is “persistent, frequent and novel” symptoms instead of the occasional occurrence.

The majority of cases actually have symptoms about 12 months before official diagnosis. Ovarian cancer sufferers live with persistent, frequent symptoms that are new to them. The symptoms will probably include:

• pain in the stomach and or pelvis
• on-going bloatedness
• reduced appetite because of feeling full quickly.

Less common but possible symptoms include:

• abnormal lethargy
• back pain
• urgent need to urinate
• changes in bowel movement patterns

Symptoms can arise from any number of reasons and doctors are mostly unwilling to perform unnecessary tests. However, family history is still a strong risk factor that doctors will pay attention to.

The earlier the detection, the better the chance of survival. Survival rates can be as high as seven out of 10 for those who are diagnosed early.

“If you are seeing those symptoms at least once a month prompt your doctor to do a CA125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound. Current guidelines do not recommend screening for women at average risk. Why? Because, unfortunately, both the CA125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound screening methods are quite poor especially when used alone for early detection.”

Read the full article here.

Helen Milliken dies from ovarian cancer at 89

Helen Milliken, 89, passed away this morning from ovarian cancer. She was the wife of former Michigan Gov. William Milliken. She was known as “dignified, styling, deferential to her husband… outspoken, passionate, and unyielding.” She was receiving hospice care in Traverse City where she lived in retirement.

She was born in Colorado in 1922 and is best remembered as Michigan’s leading proponent of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). On one occasion, instead of joining the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, she attended a protect march outside the convention in order to decry the decision to remove pro-ERA language from the GOP’s platform. Her activism on women’s issues was partially influenced by her daughter, whose concerns about equal treatment and opportunity for women grew throughout college and law school.

She was also a leading advocate for the arts and environment. She was the founder and longtime president of Artrain, which promoted public support for the arts.

Milliken is survived by her husband and son. Her daughter died of cancer in 1993.

Read the full article here.

Facts about ovarian cancer in an interview

A doctor from Pennsylvania State University’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center recently shared information about ovarian cancer in an interview for the Medical Minute. Dr. Joshua Kesterson is a gynecologic oncology specialist.

Read the full interview here: http://med.psu.edu/web/academicplacements/home/news/-/newsevents/News/10100/3007852

Why is it so important to talk about … ovarian cancer? 

Kesterson: Ovarian cancer affects a significant number of women. In the United States, there are about 20,000 cases of ovarian cancer per year and about 15,000 deaths per year. Ovarian cancer affects one out of every 70 women and is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. 

Who is at highest risk for developing [this] cancer? 

Kesterson: While most cases of ovarian cancer are sporadic, women with a family history or carriers of the BRCA mutation – a mutation that affects cells in the ovary – are at increased risk for ovarian cancer. 

Are there any tests to screen for … ovarian cancer? 

Kesterson: Unfortunately, there aren’t any effective screenings for ovarian cancer. There are efforts looking into imaging with ultrasound or serologic markers, but those are not sensitive or specific enough to be applicable to the general population. 

What are your patients’ biggest concerns following their diagnosis? 

Kesterson: Anytime someone is diagnosed with cancer, they want to know directly or indirectly how long they can expect to live. For women with ovarian cancer, the first line treatment is surgery to remove the entire tumor, followed by chemotherapy, which works well to achieve remission. I tell my patients that there are two things we can control: the type of surgery and the chemotherapy regimen. We want to get the best treatment options for our patients. 

Are there any efforts to advocate for … ovarian cancer awareness and research for a cure? 

Kesterson: Ovarian cancer is starting to gain more public attention in the media and advocacy groups. We are seeing more runs and walks to support the cause. Groups supporting research include the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the Gynecologic Oncology Group.

Even though cancer is scary, it is important to arm yourself with information about the disease after diagnosis. Although … ovarian cancer may not get the media attention that other cancers do, your doctor can guide you and your family through your diagnosis and treatment and connect you with support groups.

The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature brought to you by Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Articles feature the expertise of Penn State Hershey faculty physicians and staff, and are designed to offer timely, relevant health information of interest to a broad audience.

The consequences of the lack of awareness

There are so many stories that illustrate why it’s imperative to pay attention to our bodies and to detect abnormalities early. Sometimes symptoms of abnormalities can be overshadowed by excuses. Bloating, stabbing pains, frequent urination. Is the woman on her period, is she experiencing symptoms of diabetes, or is it ovarian cancer?

This is one anonymous girl’s story about her drive to promote early detection, and why. On Empowher.com, she wrote:

“Stomach bloating could possibly be symptoms of ovarian cancer... in such cases, bloating is the result of ascites (excess fluid in the peritoneal cavity) induced by the spreading of millions of ovarian cancer cells that have developed past its early stages. For months, my mother unknowingly carried around with 5 liters of this fluid... lumbering into hospitals trying to figure out the cause of her sharp abdominal pain and frequent urges of urination... 

Because of misdirections and the lack of ovarian cancer awareness in the medical communities, physicians my mother sought repeatedly failed to recommend a vaginal ultrasound test, which might have detected the darn thing much earlier... the regret of delaying the proper diagnosis has continue to haunt our family. 

… For the sake of your mother, daughter, wife, or sister, if not your own... take one minute of your time to educate yourself on ovarian cancer... early detection may prevent an arduous cancer battle for the family... or spare the life of someone dear to you: http://woktoss.com/?p=12826”

Follow the link to read about what her mother was finally diagnosed with, and what the girl did in response to the news: http://www.empowher.com/community/share/ovarian-cancer-0

Student fights ovarian cancer and wants to raise awareness of the disease

Maris Schiess, a Ball State University (of Indiana) student, discovered she had germ cell ovarian cancer in August when she was 21 years old. As a senior in college, she would have rather been considering dream careers, weekend plans and school projects and papers. Instead, she was told she had cancer.

She thought she only had a bit of weight gain and didn’t think it was a symptom of anything serious. But after an MRI, CT scan, ultrasounds and blood work, she learned she had a 10-inch, 4 pound cancerous mass on both of her ovaries.

Germ cell ovarian cancer is rare and accounts for 3-5 percent of all ovarian cancer cases. It’s something that patients are born with instead of developing, and symptoms appear at a young age. A young adult is diagnosed with cancer every 8 minutes, totaling 72,000 that will face cancer each year, according to the I’m Too Young For This! Cancer Foundation. Young adults with cancer are often an overlooked statistic.

Despite feeling that her outlook is good, Schiess must still undergo 12 weeks of chemotherapy and had to quit her job, take a semester off from school, and leave internships and organizations.

“I went from feeling completely fine to taking medication that makes me feel completely miserable,” she said. “It only took a week to go from a healthy, young woman to a cancer patient. I never thought I’d be spending 40 hours a week in the hospital. I never thought that at 21 I would be told I could never have my own children naturally… I can’t help but care how noticeable the eight-inch scar is on my stomach, and everyone else can’t help but notice I have no hair.”

Schiess said she is proud when she recognizes how strong she has become throughout her ordeal. She wants to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and “encourage young adults to realize how easily the last things we could ever worry about can become the forefront of our battles.”

“As much as I try to look forward, I cannot help but wonder, ‘What did I miss? What if I had gone to the doctor earlier? What could I have done?’” she said. “I want these to be questions anyone with risk can answer now. Knowing your risks, chances and your body can make you proactive in any health challenge. Taking the time to take care of yourself can make all the difference.”

Read her full story here: http://www.usatodayeducate.com/staging/index.php/campuslife/fighting-cancer-at-21-one-students-journey

Goodbye Jen Burgess Thompson

Jen Burgess Thompson passed away last Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. During her battle with ovarian cancer, Thompson helped to raise awareness and understanding of ovarian cancer by “loudly” blogging about her treatment, posting on Facebook, and partaking in photography and videos. Her posts were candid and unabashed--she hid nothing about her journey in order to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and prove that the cancer did not define her. Because of this, she had nearly 5,000 Facebook friends by March of this year, and many blog visitors.

Thompson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last August. She had slight symptoms of abdominal bloating and sporadic cramps that are similar to a menstrual cycle, but she trusted the signs her body gave her and got them checked out. She immediately had surgery to remove her reproductive organs and the tumor, and began an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. She received substantial support from her Central Oregon community, including organizations such as the 10 Barrel Brewing Company and Between the Covers, both of which hosted benefits to raise money and food for her and her young sons.

To read her story, visit her blog: http://www.amistillagirl.com/

Ovarian Cancer Facts

Ovarian cancer (malignancy of the ovaries) is the fifth most common female cancer. In the United States, there will be an estimated 22,280 women that will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012, according to statistics from the National Cancer Institute.

There are certain things that increase your risk of getting ovarian cancer. These are:• Never having been pregnant during your childbearing years
• Being in later life (over 50)
• Having a family history of ovarian cancer or cancer of the rectum, colon, uterus or breast or a previous history of having any of those cancers
• Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is an estrogen-only product for more than 10 years
• Ovarian stimulation for IVF procedures may increase the risk of borderline ovarian tumors, although more studies are needed
• Being overweight with a body mass index of over 30
• Having your first period when you are very young or having a late menopause
• Having a history of endometriosis
• Being Ashkenazi Jewish, Dutch, Polish, Icelandic, Norwegian or Pakistani.

Click to Read More

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Pittsburgh

September was Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and now October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let's share our support and help the journey to end breast cancer.

Every Making Strides event is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about what we can do to stay well from breast cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them.

Click to learn how to register

An Evening With Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby will be speaking at the Teal Ribbon Comedy event this Thursday night! It is still National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, don't miss out on this great way to send some proceeds to ovarian cancer research.

What Everyone Needs To Know About Ovarian Cancer

News that the risks of ovarian cancer screening tests outweigh the benefits has some women wondering what they should do to prevent the deadly disease. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer strikes about 22,000 women annually, and kills more than 15,000. While the majority of cases occur in women between the ages of 50 and 75, younger women can be affected as well. Dr. Laura Havrilesky, a gynecologic oncologist with the Duke Cancer Institute, explains what the latest findings mean and what every woman should know.  

What do these recent screening recommendations mean?  

The latest report reiterates what previous studies have already shown. The screenings – a blood test that looks for a substance linked to cancer and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries – yield a high number of false-positives. That can lead to unnecessary surgeries, which can cause serious complications whether or not ovarian cancer is found. At this point, it has been determined that the harm associated with these screening tests outweigh the benefits when they are performed on women who are not at risk for ovarian cancer.  

How would I know if I am at risk?  

Family history is the major risk factor. If you have multiple family members with pre-menopausal breast cancer, meaning before the age of 50, or at least one first or second degree relative with ovarian cancer, you are at increased risk. If you have a genetic mutation in your family, you may also be at risk and you may want to consider talking to a genetic counselor to help determine if genetic testing might be right for you.

Click to Read More

The NOCC’s 12th annual “Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer” was held on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, at the North Park Boathouse. The walk raises awareness, celebrates survivors and remembers those lost. All proceeds go towards education, awareness and quality of life programs.
Click to see the photo gallery 

Spreading Awareness... Through Dinosaurs!

The Dinosaur Carnegie Library in Oakland is ready for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! If you haven't heard about it yet, September is the month where we take some time to spread awareness of ovarian cancer warning signs, symptoms, and stories of those who have suffered both. Get involved now!

You can follow Dippy the Dino on his official Twitter handle:

@Dippy_the_Dino

Yinz seen my teal scarf? The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) has dressed me up as Sept. is Nat'l Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition will hold its 12th Annual “Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer” on Sunday, September 9, at the North Park Boathouse to raise awareness of ovarian cancer, celebrate ovarian cancer survivors, and remember those lost to the disease. All walk proceeds fund education and awareness as well as quality of life programs on both a local and national level. Over 3,500 people are expected to attend the walk. 

“The Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer brings the community together to demonstrate that ovarian cancer is more than a woman’s disease,” said Mary Urban, Pittsburgh Chapter Manager. “We see family, friends, co-workers and the medical community gathering at the Walk to honor of the women in their lives who suffered from ovarian cancer. The Walk also serves as an opportunity for all who attend to learn how to be their own health advocate.” 

Event day festivities include family friendly activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, cookie decorating and games. Survivors and women in treatment for ovarian cancer will enjoy a special continental breakfast and free raffle. The walk is also dog friendly with the return of the Canine Corner to promote stress reduction, companionship and compassion. Health and wellness experts will be available for screenings and questions. Family and friends can bring a photo of a loved one lost to this disease to display on the Wall of Courage at the Memory Tent. Handcrafted wares made by local artists will be sold on site in addition to silent and Chinese auctions with proceeds going to NOCC.

Click to Read More

Blood Test for Detecting Ovarian Cancer Shows Promise

Diagnostics company Vermillion INC said a clinical trial of its blood test for detecting ovarian cancer showed the test had a high chance of correctly identifying patients with cancer.

Shares of the company jumped 21 percent to $2.17 on the news. The study, named OVA1, is a blood test for pre-surgical assessment of ovarian tumors for malignancy. The study focused on two particularly challenging subgroups - women with early-stage ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal women.

"A key goal of the study was to investigate the challenging pre-menopausal setting, where benign cysts have a high incidence and early-stage cancer often goes undetected," Chief Executive Gail Pagesaid.

The test had a 94 percent sensitivity in the pre-menopausal group, and a 91 percent sensitivity in the early-stage ovarian cancer group. A diagnostic test's sensitivity refers to its ability to correctly identify those who are actually affected by the disease. Overall, the test showed a 96 percent sensitivity. OVA1 also had a low chance of mistakenly classifying a sick person as healthy.

Article courtesy of: http://news.yahoo.com/vermillion-ovarian-cancer-test-shows-positive-result-141747032--finance.html

Ovarian Cancer Detection Guide

Research suggests that the majority of women with ovarian cancer experience symptoms. Symptoms vary and often depend on the location of the tumor and its impact on the surrounding organs. Many ovarian cancer symptoms mimic those of less life-threatening conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

In June 2007, the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the American Cancer Society, with significant support from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, formed a consensus statement on ovarian cancer, agreeing that the disease has specific symptoms.

The Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Consensus Statement:
Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. These symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms.

Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.

Several other symptoms have been commonly reported by women with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities. However, these other symptoms are not as useful in identifying ovarian cancer because they are also found in equal frequency in women in the general population who do not have ovarian cancer.

EARLY DETECTION

Early detection of ovarian cancer saves women’s lives. No screening test exists that can test all women for ovarian cancer. The Pap test does not test for ovarian cancer; it screens for cervical cancer.

Not only do researchers need to develop an early detection test for ovarian cancer, like mammograms for breast cancer and Pap tests for cervical cancer, but also women and medical professionals need to become more aware of ovarian cancer symptoms.

While no early detection tool exists for all women, several tests exist for women who are at a high risk. If a woman has ovarian cancer symptoms, a strong family history, or a genetic predisposition such as a BRCA mutation, doctors may monitor her with one of three tests or a combination of them:

Blood Test

• The protein CA-125 exists in greater concentration in cancerous cells. Though a high count of this protein may help doctors identify ovarian cancer, premenopausal women may have an elevated CA-125 due to benign conditions unrelated to ovarian cancer. Uterine fibroids, liver disease, inflammation of the fallopian tubes, and other types of cancer can raise a woman’s CA-125 level, often causing a false positive test for ovarian cancer.

• Although the CA-125 blood test is more accurate in postmenopausal women, it is not a reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer. In about 20 percent of advanced stage ovarian cancer cases and 50 percent of early stage cases, the CA-125 is not elevated even though ovarian cancer is present. As a result, doctors generally use the CA-125 blood test in combination with a transvaginal ultrasound.

• The CA-125 blood test can be an important tool for evaluating the disease’s progress and tumors’ response to treatment. Additionally, this test can monitor a woman’s CA-125 level for evidence of recurrence.

• OVA1 has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for risk stratification.  A woman who presents with a known tumor may have this test to determine if her surgery should be done by a gynecologist or a gynecologic oncologist – doctors who are specially trained to treat women with gynecologic cancers.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

• A transvaginal ultrasound is a test used to examine a woman’s reproductive organs and bladder.

• To administer the test, the doctor inserts a probe into the woman’s vagina. The probe sends off sound waves which reflect off body structures. The waves are then received by a computer that turns them into a picture.

Pelvic Exam

• A pelvic exam should be a part of a woman’s regular female health exam.

• This exam requires the doctor to place one or two fingers into a woman’s vagina and another over her abdomen to feel the size, shape, and position of the ovaries and uterus. Ovarian cancer is rarely detected in a pelvic exam and usually in an advanced stage if it is.

DIAGNOSIS

If a woman has the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, her doctor will probably perform a complete pelvic exam, a transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound, and a CA-125 blood test. Used individually, these tests are not definitive; they are most effective when used in combination with each other. Doctors may also use a CT scan or PET scan as part of the diagnostic process. The only definitive way to determine if a patient has ovarian cancer is through surgery and biopsy.

Gynecologic Oncologist
Multiple studies conducted over the past decade have shown that an ovarian cancer patient’s chance of survival is significantly improved when her surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist. One analysis of multiple studies found that women whose surgeries were performed by gynecologic oncologists had a median survival time that was 50 percent greater than women whose surgeries were done by general gynecologists or other surgeons inexperienced in optimal debulking procedures. Sometimes referred to as cytoreductive surgery, debulking involves removal of as much of the tumor as possible.

As part of the debulking procedure, doctors try to stage definitively the disease and identify the optimal treatment for the cancer. Proper staging and optimal debulking translate into improved overall survival for women at any stage of ovarian cancer.

Gynecologic oncologists have greater success in treating ovarian cancer as a result of their tendency to perform more aggressive surgery. Women whose tumors have been reduced to less than one centimeter have a better response to chemotherapy and improved survival rate. Gynecologic oncologists also are more likely to perform the multiple peritoneal and lymph node biopsies necessary to ensure adequate surgical staging.

The Women’s Cancer Network has a “Find a Doctor” feature on its Web site (www.wcn.org) where visitors can search for a gynecologic oncologists by ZIP code. Women can also find the nearest gynecologic oncologist by calling (800) 444-4441 .

Information courtesy of: http://www.ovariancancer.org/about-ovarian-cancer/detection/

10 Ways to Help a Friend with Cancer

Candace Williams says nothing can prepare you for when your doctor turns to you and says 'you have cancer.' Yet, that's precisely what happened to her in March, 2011. The 36 year-old esthetician, salon owner and mother of two didn't fit the profile of the typical breast cancer patient. Nonetheless she faced the disease head-on juggling everything during a year of treatment.

"Being sick was really tough for me," she said. "My darkest hour was mid-way through the chemotherapy. I would get sick, and as soon as I started to feel better, I would have to go and get sick again."

Williams faced challenges unique to young women diagnosed with cancer. So often, they are the youngest person in the waiting room and are surrounded by friends who have no frame of reference for what they're going through. In addition to fertility, sex and intimacy and body image challenges, they experience isolation. Online support groups like BrightPink.org and YoungSurvival.org can be incredibly valuable.

So often friends rally around asking what they can do. Besides pray - to whomever, and make it go away - forever, it's hard to know how friends and relatives can help. Here are ten ideas to help a friend battling cancer.

1. Offer specific help. Assume that she needs you and is either reluctant to ask or unable to articulate her needs. Saying "if you need anything, call me" puts the burden on the patient. Psychotherapist Robi Ludwig, and Care.com parenting expert suggests you offer pragmatic things such as driving carpool, making dinner (Take Them a Meal is a great resource to use as you can create a schedule for the family so people won't prepare tuna noodle casseroles six nights in a row!), doing the laundry or the kids' homework. And with her anti-bodies (and energy) at an all-time low, she'll need a healthy meal and a clean home more than ever. See if you can find a cleaning person to work around her chemo schedule. This might be a gift a few friends can chip in on.

2. Help her find a great wig. Before chemo, take her to start looking for a wig to match her hair color, texture and style. Since a good wig can be very expensive, consider taking up a collection for her from friends. Nonprofits like CancerCare and the American Cancer Society provide wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women who can't afford them. You can also arrange for girlfriends to donate hair to Beautiful Lengths or Locks of Love to support the production of quality wigs - and to show her your support.

3. Get pictures taken. Now might not seem like the best time for a glamour shoot, but before your friend loses her hair, gains or loses weight depending on the drug side-effects, and feels really run down, arrange for a private session with a photographer. Get the family session, but also make sure he takes portraits of her alone. They can be inspirational and empowering for people about to embark on a journey like this.

4. Respect her care decisions. While it may be tempting to bombard her with well-meaning advice, offer to share additional or alternate resources only if she wants them. "She may feel very connected to her doctor and interpret this as trying to take that away," says Ludwig.

5. Be a health buddy. Cancer patients are overwhelmed by information and emotions caused by endless treatments and doctor appointments. Be her eyes, ears and brain by attending doctors' appointments or handling time-consuming healthcare and insurance tasks. "Sit with her in the waiting room, join her for a cup of tea right before and be there in appointments to be her CNT or Chief Note Taker," says Lindsay Avner, founder and CEO of Bright Pink.

6. Take her mind off cancer. No matter how well-intentioned, talking about cancer gets old quickly for someone whose life is already consumed by the disease. Let your friend know that you are there to listen and allow her to take the lead about the discussion. She'd welcome hearing funny stories, having a spa day or a sleep-over just to take her mind off her illness.

7. Understand her flakiness. One day she may want to be alone and the next day she may want to be surrounded by friends. Let her know you're OK if she cancels and don't take it personally if a few calls, texts or emails go unanswered, says Avner. Given what she's going through, this is to be expected.

8. Establish an online information warehouse. Answering the same questions about her treatment, diagnosis and/or prognosis can be exhausting and time-consuming. Offer to set up a Facebook page or blog where friends and associates can go for updates on her care and health status. She can manage it, if she's up to it. Or you can post the info she wants people to know. Using a private blog or group can also help you coordinate the carpooling,babysitting and meal-making the local followers will want to take off her hands. Some resources for this areNavigating Cancer and Lotsa Helping Hands. Both allow your friend to set up a personal profile or blog so friends and family are up-to-date with their treatment. A calendar is system is also used to coordinate help such as meals, driving, etc. Caring Bridge is another resource and a great to share what is going on with friends and family through an online journal.

9. Give only the right gift what she needs. Avner advises skipping the flowers, food and perfumes since women are often sensitive while going through treatment. When cancer survivor Diem Brown realized that many friends wanted to give a gift but didn't know what was appropriate, she started MedGift, the first ever patients' gift registry where people coping with illness or health conditions can post their gift needs, wants and wishes. Help with medical bills, a portable DVD player for the chemo treatments, gift cards to a local caterer are some examples. And if a friend is uncomfortable starting the registry herself, offer to organize it for her.

10. Don't disappear. The trauma of having cancer doesn't go away when treatment ends. Even if she recovers, your friendship is still crucial. This is the time when she has to let go of expectations and listen to her body. "In the past, she may have been a go, go, go social type but now she may need more rest and balance," says Avner. "Creating a new normal and finding the love and trust in her body post-treatment continue well after the last treatment is finished."

Read more: http://www.care.com/child-care-10-ways-to-help-a-friend-with-cancer-p1017-q16102117.html#utm_content=1017&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=general_general&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=%2F&

Close relationships tied to ovarian cancer survival

Women with ovarian cancer may have somewhat better survival odds when they feel emotionally supported by family and friends, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that of 168 ovarian cancer patients, there were 95 deemed to have "high social attachment" - meaning they had relationships that made them feel emotionally secure and closely connected to at least one other person.

And after almost five years, 59 percent of those women were still alive, versus 38 percent of patients with lesser emotional bonds.

The researchers are not sure of the reasons for the link. It seemed to go beyond practical factors, like having someone who helps you out day-to-day. But the study cannot say whether a close emotional relationship, itself, affects women's survival odds.

And a researcher not involved in the work cautioned against making too much of the findings.

It is "strictly a correlational study," said James C. Coyne, director of the behavioral oncology program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, in an email.

"And," he told Reuters Health, it bears repeating that "correlations do not establish causality."

There could be various reasons for the connection between emotional support and survival, according Dr. Susan K. Lutgendorf of the University of Iowa in Iowa City, who led the new study.

"We're talking about people who feel a close connection with someone else. They feel they have someone they can confide in," Lutgendorf said.

One possibility is that women with such supportive relationships feel less stress - which, in turn, might affect their well-being in a number of ways. Based on other research, people who feel support from family and friends may stick with their medical treatment more closely, Lutgendorf noted.

But in past studies, she and her colleagues have seen some potential direct links. They've found that ovarian cancer patients' levels of "social attachment" seem to correlate with certain markers of inflammation and immune function, for instance.

Still, no one knows if close emotional relationships can actually boost women's cancer survival odds.

In fact, Coyne said, some clinical trials have looked at whether boosting social support, through support groups or psychotherapy, can extend cancer patients' lives.

"And the findings are universally negative," he said.

These latest results, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, are based on 168 women who were followed from the time of surgery for their ovarian cancer. They all completed questionnaires on social support and depression symptoms.

Ninety-five women scored high enough to fall into the category of strong emotional support.

The researchers found that even when they weighed depression and other factors - like age and the stage of the cancer - emotional support, itself, was still linked to somewhat better survival.

Women who felt strong support were 13 percent less likely to die during the study period.

On the other hand, "instrumental" support was not tied to survival.

"That means having someone who can provide concrete support," Lutgendorf explained. "Do you have someone who can take you to and from doctor visits? Do you have someone who can get your groceries?"

She said it was surprising that type of support was not also linked to survival.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/07/24/close-relationships-tied-to-ovarian-cancer-survival/#ixzz22UEaEk00

Thank you To Our Sponsors!

Thank you for supporting the 12th Annual Laurel Auto Group Pro-Am Charity Golf Classic. We hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did planning it. We appreciate the support you have given financially and personally. We want you to be assured your dollars have been and will be well spent providing education for women of all ages about gynecological cancers.

Sincerely,

The Smith Family

Master Sponsors:

AutoTrader.com, Catanese Group, First National Bank of PA, FOX 8, ABC 23 and THIS TV, Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Whalley Charitable Trust

 

Eagle Sponsors:

Cambria Somerset Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Group, CTC Foundation, EMAP, Hyundai Motor America, Jeram Marketing, Miller Auto/Colours, PA Academy of Cosmetology, PNC Bank, Sherwin Williams

 

Birdie Sponsors:

Casey and Erin Craig, Johnstown Wire Technologies, JWF Industries, Toyota Financial Services, Zurich Insurance

 

Par Sponsors:

Dent Wizard, Double Eagle Promotions, Ellen and Bill Burke, The Harris Family, JESCO INC, The Faralli Family, Diloreto Landscaping, AmeriServ Financial

 

Tee Sponsors:

1st Summit Bank, A-1 Vending Company, BCI Equipment Specialists, Bonerigo Automotive, Specialty Service LLC, Carl and Noma Irvin, Carman’s Wholesale, Cars.com, Cintas, The Uniform People, Crown American Associates, Daily American, Ebensburg Office Supply, Fisher Auto Parts, Frank and Rose Arcurio, General Cleaning Service of Johnstown INC, George Trailers INC, Golden Oil Company, Harris Funeral Home, H.F. Lenz Company, Jeffrey P. Hooper D.M.D., Joey Dels 2001 Caterers, Kent Automotive, Lux Painting Services, Marc-Service Inc, Penn Highlands Community College, Pro Disposal Inc, Quaker Sales Corporation, Rent Jungle LLC, Rizzo’s Restaurant, Ron’s Tire Sales, Schwartz Auto Parts, Tribune Democrat, Von’s United Beverage Co., Zepka Harley Davidson, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Our Town/Daily American, Brickley Construction Company, Central PA Auto Auction, Minahan Sign Company, Ourisman Toyota, Bill and Jean McKelvey, Gap Preowned, Mckolosky Chiropractic, Sheetz INC, Payless Rent a Car, Mount Aloysius College, Stoystown Auto Wreckers, Enterprise Rent a Car, Lockard Company, Gleason Financial/Gallagher Benefit Services, ADP Dealer Services, CARFAX, 1st Team Advertising, Western PA Orthopedics.

 

Please remember the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

Bloating

Feeling of fullness, gas

Frequent or urgent urination

Nausea, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea

Abnormal Bleeding

Unusual fatigue

Unexplained weight change

Shortness of breath

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) Will Participate in the Golf Classic On Monday at Sunnehanna

As many of you are aware, the Smith Family's annual Laurel Auto Group Pro-Am Charity Golf Classic will be held on Monday, July 23rd at Sunnehanna Country Club.  This year during the event, we will be hosting a lemonade stand near the #13 tee box and 100% of the money raised will be donated to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).  This foundation has raised millions toward finding a cure and funding innovative childhood cancer research projects nationally!  That said, if you (and your family) are available, please come out and join me in this national endeavor to fight childhood cancer and share the experience in giving back!

Please visit their fundraising page for more information or to donate.
http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/85819

The Story of Joanna Montgomery

Joanna Montgomery gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and then five days later found out the mass on her fallopian tube, discovered during birth, was an aggressive form of cancer. That was December 2011.  Follow her incredible journey as she not only fights this disease but experiences all of the joys (and exhaustion) new motherhood has to offer. On YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV18ONAQWcM&feature=youtu.be or on her blog http://thestir.cafemom.com/column/mommy_has_cancer

Ovarian cancer patient wants to help others pay for treatment

Crystal Elliott is trying to help others who are battling Ovarian Cancer pay for their treatment.

Crystal Elliott said finding out she had ovarian cancer was a life-changer. It was in January, a few days after major surgery to remove painful tumors from her ovaries. Doctors told her she would need months of chemotherapy treatments to make sure the aggressive form of the disease was banished from her body. Soon after, Elliott began to get big bills for portions of her care not covered by private health insurance. More than once, she had to pay $800 for a $4,000 injection needed as part of her chemotherapy regimen. While she was able to pay her bills, Elliott said she started thinking about all the people who might not be able to afford the high price of beating cancer.

Health statistics show that about 22,000 women a year are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, typically in those older than 60. Nearly 15,000 women die from the disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And as the U.S. economy continues to slump, Elliott said, she hates the thought of any woman having to choose between paying for pricey cancer drugs or feeding her family. Even as she continues her own exhausting treatments, Elliott recently gathered a group of friends and colleagues together to create a board of directors for the nonprofit foundation they named Teal Life. The color teal has been used nationally in recent years to signify ovarian cancer.

For about two years, Elliott has owned and operated Tessie Lee's Café in the building that houses local IRS offices on Montlimar Drive in Mobile. She tries to go in to work most mornings, she said, to help bake fresh cookies and cupcakes for customers. In recent months, Elliott sold T-shirts in the lobby of the building, collecting about $2,800 to cover start-up costs of the foundation.Besides helping women who need assistance paying for cancer treatments, Elliott also wants men and women to know more about the early signs of the disease. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include persistent bloating, feeling full even when eating little, and abdominal pain.

"They call it the silent killer because most of the symptoms resemble something else," Elliott said. "It affects the way your bowels move and causes stomach pains."

Next month, Teal Life will have its first fundraiser on July 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the OK Bicycle Shop on Dauphin Street in downtown Mobile. Live music, food and a silent auction will be featured, she said. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 251-343-6595 or visiting the website teallifefoundation.org after July 1. The café Elliott opened two years ago was named for her deceased grandmother, who encouraged her to follow her dreams. "God's plan just worked it all out," Elliott said. "It's totally changed my life to be able to help others." Elliot, 41, said her doctors are hopeful about her prognosis. When the Teal Life website is up and running in July, she also hopes to include information there to assist others with similar health issues.

"People who have friends that are diagnosed with any type of cancer," Elliott said, "send them a text message, see how they are doing, take them some food or just take them out of the house when they feel better. That's been the most helpful thing."

Article courtesy of: http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/ovarian_cancer_patient_wants_t.html

Fertile Hope by Livestrong

An excellent resource for those battling cancer who worry about infertility after medical treatments. If you have fertility-related questions or would like more information related to the Sharing Hope financial assistance program, call toll-free 855.220.7777 , or complete an online intake form for the LIVESTRONG Navigation Services program.

Fertile Hope is a LIVESTRONG initiative dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients and survivors whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.

Cancer & Fertility Information

From fertility risks to fertility preservation techniques to parenthood after cancer options, find educational information to help you make personal, educated decisions before or after cancer treatments.

• Fertility Risks
• Parenthood Options
• Special Populations
• Pregnancy and Children After Cancer
• Questions to Ask Your Doctor
• How to Choose a Doctor or Service
• FAQs

Research & Trials

Whether you are looking for current available data or would like to conduct research to help answer the myriad of questions that still exist, we hope the following pages are helpful to you.

• Published Research
• Current Studies

Cancer & Fertility News

Read a wide array of articles about fertility preservation, parenthood after cancer and survivorship.

Information courtesy of: http://www.fertilehope.org/learn-more/index.cfm

How to Tell Someone You Have Cancer

Telling your loved ones that you have a cancer diagnosis isn’t easy. Below are some tips that will help on this journey.

Do You Have to Tell Everyone?

Many people feel the need to announce their diagnosis to everyone around them when they are first diagnosed with cancer. Feeling as if everyone should know is normal; however, it's not always best. You may find that it is best to only tell those who you know will be a positive support system, such as immediate family and very close friends.

Finding the Right Words

The biggest challenge is saying the words "I have cancer." Saying those words aloud can release emotions that you may have been suppressing. Telling someone somehow makes the disease more real; it is validating. Although it may be difficult in finding the right words, it is very therapeutic, because you are admitting you are sick. This is the first step in coping with cancer-admittance. When people first hear the word “cancer," they automatically think the worst. It is your responsibility to educate them on the extent of the disease. The more at ease and knowledgeable they are, the more effective support they can give to you. Being surrounded by people whose anxieties and fears are obvious and excessive will not allow you to cope in a healthful manner. Remember, how you are coping is more important, not how they are dealing with your disease.

Telling Your Spouse or Partner that You Have Cancer

Your spouse or partner will likely be the first person you confide in about your cancer diagnosis. He or she will likely be your caregiver during treatments and can be the best support system you have. It is important to be completely honest about your cancer and what your prognosis is. Allowing he or she to accompany you to appointments will make you feel less isolated on your journey. When you have a partner who gives you ultimate support, combating cancer begins to feel like teamwork, and you will feel empowered!

Telling Your Children that You Have Cancer

It is never easy to tell children bad news. As parents, we have a natural instinct to protect their feeling, and we often do so by omitting information. Many psychologists agree that this hurts them more in the long run, so being straight forward and honest is best. It's important to let your children know that you have cancer and to be honest about what is cancer. Don't assume they automatically know what it is, because they often hear it on television. Explain the physical process of how it develops and what treatment you are going to have. Some experts recommend delaying telling children until you are aware of the extent of your disease and what course of treatment you will be taking. Children understand best when they can see the whole picture, not just little pieces. Remember to be confident. Your optimism about beating cancer will reassure them. It's also important for them to know that your disease is not contagious, and it won't affect them physically. This may even be one of the first questions they ask you. They are not being selfish. Children often hear about people catching a cold or the flu and naturally assume it may be the same for cancer. How you explain it to your children and what information you choose for them to know depends on their age. If you have any questions about telling your children and what affect it may have, consult a child psychologist or pediatrician. He may be able to coach you on what to say and what not to say.

Telling Friends and Family

Again, be candid and honest about your disease. You can pick and choose what details you would like to share. Remember, though, these are the people who are going to be your support system. Being straightforward about your fears and anxieties are essential.

 

Information courtesy of: http://cancer.about.com/od/newlydiagnosed/a/tellingfriends.htm

The National Garden of Hope

 

Remember women touched by Ovarian Cancer by participating in  the National Garden of Hope, a part of the Honoring the Journey Ceremony at the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance annual conference. Participants will be given a packet which will include a picture of the woman being honored along with a packet of forget-me-not seeds and asked to plant them when they return home.

The goal is to create a National Garden of Hope symbolizing our community: spread across the country but tied together by our concern and care for one another. We need your help to seed our Garden of Hope across the country. Please submit pictures of any woman you want to honor and remember to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance by Friday, June 29, 2012, along with a short statement about her (no longer than 50 words). You may mail or email the photo.

Items may be mailed to:
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
Attn: Elizabeth White 901 E Street NW, Suite 405
Washington, DC 20004

Items may be emailed to ewhite@ovariancancer.org.

Please include the name of the woman to honor or remember and 50 words about her. Please note that photos will not be returned; they will accompany the seeds to their new corner of our National Garden of Hope.

Information courtesy of: http://www.amcnetwork.com/OCNAconference/gardenofhope.htm

Personalized Ovarian Cancer Awareness T-shirts

    

Check out the wide selection of Cancer Survivor apparel at Mywalkgear.com. “It was a tough road but you are a Cancer Survivor. Share your story, so that you can create additional Cancer Awareness, by wearing your own Personalized Cancer Survivor Shirt.”

To see more customized products please visit: http://www.mywalkgear.com/Ovarian-Cancer-Awareness-Shirts-and-Walk-Gear_386.aspx

Memoir of a Debulked Woman: Enduring Ovarian Cancer in Stores Now

Are you or a loved one suffering from Ovarian Cancer? Check out this inspiring memoir by Professor Susan Gubar.

After learning she had advanced ovarian cancer, Susan Gubar felt the need to reassure her two grown daughters that not even death could separate them. Although she lacks conventional faith in religion or the afterlife, Gubar says, "I found myself earnestly promising one and then the other of my distressed daughters, 'I will love you beyond my death. I will love you from another space that you will palpably feel, and feel me to be loving you.'"

Gubar's promise to love her daughters from beyond the grave, if not from heaven, was one of several ways that Gubar surprised herself after her 2008 diagnosis. The disease — which kills more than half of women in five years — forced her to weigh treatments that could extend her life, and even grant temporary remissions, but at the cost of tremendous suffering, says Gubar, 67, author of the new book Memoir of a Debulked Woman: Enduring Ovarian Cancer.

Although she uses her book to testify to the inadequacies and unintentional cruelties of modern cancer care, Gubar says she doesn't fault her physicians, "who have no options but to extend your life through options that hurt you." And Gubar says she's luckier than many other ovarian cancer patients, who don't have supportive friends and family.

But she's also frustrated that doctors have made so little progress against the disease, with survival rates only modestly higher today than in the 1970s. Ever the activist, Gubar writes, "Something must be done to rectify the miserable inadequacies of current medical responses to ovarian cancer." Yet she also hopes that medical advances will quickly make her critique sound outdated, that her book will become a "historical curiosity quite soon, as soon as possible, sooner than possible."

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-05-20/Susan-Gruber-ovarian-cancer/55092236/1