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.

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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.
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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.