Ovarian cancer month

[rmarie]

Has anybody noticed that the news skips right over ovarian cancer month and goes right to breast cancer?  I guess we are too silent like our cancer.  I am sick and tired of the new media only covering breast cancer during this month, it is like teal is not a color.  Just needed to rant
Marie

[Casey06]

Also check:

http://www.ovarian.org/     look at bottom under Marketplace

http://www.ovariancancer.org/  look to left under Online Store

http://www.causekeepers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=OCSTORE&CFID=8626555&CFTOKEN=73222b5442e4f524-2817071D-15C5-E1E2-3EC57122E7134456

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/ovarian+cancer/-/pv_design_prod/p_798849.36234975/pNo_36234975/id_9333750/fpt_/opt_/c_666/pg_1#

[SimplyStar]

I just checked Ebay and they have many different  pins, ribbons, charms  for sale   go to ebay   search   I put in Ovarian Cancer teal ribbons  and the page came up   I ordered 4 of the snoopy pins   there are many of the disney charactors there also

[jms_9967]

I agree that it's really been in the last 5 - 10 years that breast cancer has been pushed into the spotlight.  Unfortunately, I think it takes a lot of time and effort to spread the word about these horrible diseases and raise awareness.  Recently, I met a woman who is doing the two day walk for breast cancer research---she was trying to raise money for the walk.  Of course I contributed, but I also took it as an opportunity to educate her that September is Ovarian Cancer month and the color is teal.  I think the more we continue to talk about it, the more we'll begin to hear about it in the media.

[nyc lady]

I agree with everyone on the frustration of not getting the "September" recognition that we deserve.  There is another reality to this whole Breast vs Ovarian Cancer, many more women and there are also men that will be diagnosised with Breast Cancer. Ovarian Cancer is almost a rare disease when you compare the numbers.  Ovarian Cancer is near and dear to all of our hearts....believe me, I know I am out fund-raising and promoting education....we need to all work together and raise awareness.  Breast cancer and pink ribbons were not all over the place 10 years ago, it took years to raise the awareness to where it is now....it is up to us, all of us, to work hard and get the awareness we need.

As for selling "teal" there are a few stores that do sell products.  Claires, and accessory store here in the States, does sell products produced by the Ovarian Cancer Coalition.  

There are many organizations out there that are dedicated to raising awareness, why not get involved in volunteering and help spread the word???

[vegas2cr]

Much congratulations to you and Leslee.

[Casey06]

I think it is largely because the gynocologic profession doesn't even have consensus about how to handle ovarian cancer. When did a Ob/Gyn ever mention ovarian cancer to any of us prior to the diagnosis, so where is the awareness? This forum is a prime example of how all over the place doctors are about handling women in regards to this disease. There is no set protocol and doctors even argue among themselves (CA-125 - no CA-125, when to have an ultrasound, how long to wait, etc. etc).

I have to admit I had no clue about Ovarian Cancer and never even thought about it until my GI doc found a mass on my ovary.
When I went to see my Ob/Gyn she wanted to know why I was there?? Why - Because I had a mass and symptoms, but she still didn't want to do any follow-up! That's what wrong
(because cysts are common and usually benign and OvCa is rare.)
So what...do the tests already! Especially if there are symptoms!

We need doctors to decide on a basic diagnostic protocal when symptoms are present or a mass is found and research for screening (blood tests, etc) for asymptomatic women.

We need to educate GP's and GI docs on how to recognize the symptoms of OvCa, because most patients start there , not at an Ob/Gyn! (I sent a letter to my  GP and GI doc with a symptom card, because of the link to GI symptoms).

I suggest mass mailings and conferences for docs (GP, GI, Ob/Gyn) every September to discuss the symptoms and diagnostic protocol. Also more PR with press etc.

So my point is, until we get on the same page, we can't get the story out!
(and I know I am preaching to the choir...sorry)

Here is an excerpt from an article I posted a few weeks ago, regarding early detection:

The major obstacle to early diagnosis is doctors not taking their female patients seriously and failing to administer the best diagnostic test: transvaginal ultrasound. "Women often get blown off," Goff said. "I did a study back in 2000 where we found that women who had ovarian cancer were told they had irritable bowel syndrome 15% of the time; 12% were told it was stress, and 9% were told there was nothing wrong with them. It's a pretty big problem. Misdiagnosis is common among women with ovarian cancer."


The recommendations clearly mandate follow-up when bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or urinary symptoms are present over an extended length of time. "Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctors, preferably a gynecologist who will perform a skillful pelvic exam. If a physician believes there is a reasonable concern that ovarian cancer may be present, further evaluation should be performed, including possibly a CA125 and/or pelvic ultrasound."

The recommendations continue, "There is little to be lost and much to be potentially gained by increasing awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms that might lead to early medical evaluation and intervention. Although population screening with CA125 and ultrasound has the potential to lead to many false-positive results, their use in the evaluation of a symptomatic woman represents appropriate medical care."

Concurred Goff, "Ultrasound is pretty important when you're doing the initial workup. If people come in with symptoms, the first thing to do is an exam; the next step is proceeding with transvaginal ultrasound. It's a good diagnostic test."

We get blown off by our docs and the press...until we get on the same page.

Oh yeah, congratulations Leslee!

[coogeegirl]

Congratulations to you and Leslee :)

[SimplyStar]

I hear Katie Couric  sp?  daily on the radio with a good spot on OVCA, but how many listen to the radio any more.   Boobs are visable, ovaries are not   lol  that poll that was just taken found that only 15% of women even know what OVCA is   Note to pass on about Leslee,  today she became a gramma for the second time since she was dx, a little girl.  that makes me a great gramma for the 2nd time   wooo hoo

[coogeegirl]

The same thing happens in Australia Ovarian Cancer or any gynelogical cancer does not get the same publicity that Breast Cancer does.

[vegas2cr]

Great speech as I am applauding you.  Please take a bow...

[rmarie]

Well put Becky

[Tybear]

I agree wholeheartedly! I have no quams about people supporting Breast Cancer, but lets face it, it's everywhere! The spotlight has been on it for so long now, that many other more deadly cancers are being over looked. They've done a great job...death rates have declined and women are living much longer now, so let's throw the support elsewhere and see if we can't acheive the same success with another cancer. I did a walk last weekend for Ovarian Cancer, and it happened to be the same weekend as the huge Weekend to End Breast Cancer. I had several people almost annoyingly say "why would they have it the same weekend as the breast cancer one - why wouldn't they move it?". Well, guess what? September is Ovarian Cancer Month - October is Breast Cancer! I think this is one argument that will continue on and on...as a woman who doesn't have breast cancer (which, by the way, everyone assumes it is!) It's a bit of a slap in the face. I wrote to several magazines many months ago, reminding them that this is Ovarian Cancer Month, and one actually replied "we did a huge story on Ovarian Cancer in 2004 - I suppose it may be time for us to touch on it again". Gee, ya think? The day that I can go to the store and buy a teal ribbon for my car (as opposed to having to order it on Ebay, which I have) will be a victory in my eyes.
Becky