OvCa Info & News

	Three quarters of the approximately 20,000 women annually diagnosed with ovarian cancer succumb to the disease. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women and the leading cause of death among gynecological cancers.
	When ovarian cancer is detected in its early stage, 94% of women will survive longer than 5 years. Unfortunately, less than 20% of patients are diagnosed in the early stages; 80% will not be diagnosed until the cancer is at an advanced stage. The survival rate with late stage diagnosis is as low as 29%.
	The most effective way a woman can protect herself against ovarian cancer is to become educated so she can make informed decisions about her health.

OvCa Symptoms:

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are said to whisper.
Know your bodies, know the symptoms and always be your own best advocate!

	Bloating
	Pelvic or abdominal pain
	Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
	Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

OvCa News:

	The NYT reported yesterday on a study in JAMA that confirms that postmenopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy are at higher risk for ovarian cancer.   July 14, 2009
	The LA Times reported on a new study in Cancer, which finds that “symptoms are absent in 80% of patients with ovarian cancer, and that ultrasound alone was considerably better as a screening tool than symptoms alone. No combination of symptoms and ultrasound findings improved the detection of ovarian cancer compared with ultrasound alone.”  However, the study’s authors do say that symptoms should not be ignored.  It just remains to be seen “the degree to which symptoms are a resultant indicator of early stage ovarian malignancy.”  Click here.  Note that OCRF is funding Dr. Barbara Goff’s symptoms study, which is also examining this complex issue.  July 14, 2009
	"Life Advice with Jennifer Lewis-Hall" radio show recently aired a special on ovarian cancer and the symptoms.  Right click here to download (save target) to your hard drive for the best listening performance.  July 5, 2009
	Hormone Therapy Raises Ovarian Cancer Risk - Click here July 14, 2009
	3-U.S. panel votes to reject J&J, Zeltia cancer drug - Click here  July 15, 2009
	Ultrasound Superior to Symptoms for Predicting Ovarian Cancer - Click here  July 15, 2009
	New gene mutation for ovarian cancer found - Click here  August 2, 2009
	Toward Earlier Detection of Ovarian Cancer - Click here   August 4, 2009
	Free telephone counseling and referral service for any woman facing ovarian cancer, 1-877-OV-HOPE-1 (877-684-6731) This new service, named the L’Oréal Paris OCRF Hope Line, was launched on September 1 through a unique partnership of CancerCare, a national non-profit that provides free counseling and support services to anyone affected by cancer; and the global beauty care company, L’Oréal Paris and its charitable partner, the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). The Hope Line is staffed by CancerCare's professional oncology social workers, who provide emotional support and practical guidance to help callers cope with an ovarian cancer diagnosis. The service is now available Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET).