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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
