Ovarian cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease.
By Linda Garvin
January 2, 2024
As a survivor of ovarian cancer, I am committed to using my experience to raise awareness and educate others for an earlier diagnosis.
Recent statistics from OCRA (The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) reveal that ovarian cancer ranks as the 11th most common cancer and the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Furthermore, a woman’s lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is reported to be 1 in 78. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because early symptoms can be subtle or absent, making early detection difficult.
Unfortunately, certain groups of women have a much higher risk of acquiring ovarian cancer. For example, women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent or women who have never had children are at a higher risk. For this reason, it is vital to know your familial history. A family history of breast, uterine, ovarian, or colorectal cancer increases your risk.
Your family medical history can provide valuable information about potential genetic or hereditary risks for various health conditions, including ovarian cancer. Many health conditions, including certain types of cancer, can have a genetic component.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are critical in understanding the genetic risk factors for certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers. Mutations in these genes can significantly increase the risk of developing these cancers. Individuals with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancers should consider genetic testing to identify mutations in these genes.
It is estimated that 1 in 40 women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a BRCA mutation. Also, women of Jewish descent have a higher risk than the regular population of being BRCA positive. Women with a BRCA mutation have a 50% lifetime risk for ovarian cancer.
Age is a significant factor in the risk of developing ovarian cancer and the risk tends to increase with age, especially after menopause. However, it is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not automatically mean that an individual will develop ovarian cancer, and many women with ovarian cancer have no known risk factors.
Prior to my diagnosis of ovarian cancer, I would characterize my health as excellent. I had been a physically active woman for the last 50 years, eating a healthy diet and weighing in at the same weight I was in high school. My only family history of cancer is a maternal grandmother with stomach cancer in her sixties and being of Ashkenazi descent.
Vaginal bleeding was my only symptom. This led me to call my gynecologist who quickly ordered a vaginal ultrasound which found a large ovarian tumor. Based on my oncologist’s recommendations, I decided to undergo a total hysterectomy. My pathology report indicated that I had a highly aggressive tumor. Chemotherapy was ordered.
It was shocking for me to get this diagnosis, particularly since I led such a healthy life for decades. I was fortunate enough to get an early diagnosis and I am cancer free at this time.
Breast cancer has received widespread public attention. In contrast, ovarian cancer has often been less talked about, and there are several reasons for this. One challenge is that ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic or presents with vague symptoms, making early detection difficult. The lack of routine screening tests, like mammograms for breast cancer or the Pap smear for cervical cancer, adds to the complexity of detecting ovarian cancer at an early stage.
The advanced stage diagnoses that many experience may be due to the lack of noticing and reporting specific early symptoms to your health practitioner, effective screening methods, and the need to educate many health care practitioners of the early signs of this disease.
Discussions related to ovarian cancer may involve sensitive topics such as reproductive health, as the ovaries are essential for fertility. This has contributed to a certain level of discomfort or taboo surrounding this subject for both women and their healthcare providers.
Ovarian cancer can be challenging to treat, and the statistics are very concerning. The outcome for individuals diagnosed with ovarian cancer depends on various factors, including the stage at which the cancer is detected, the type of ovarian cancer, the overall health of the individual, and how well they respond to treatment.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and easily attributed to other less severe conditions, which can lead to delayed diagnosis.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic or abdominal region
- Bloating: Feeling consistently bloated, especially if it persists for more than a few weeks
- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly: A sudden change in appetite, difficulty eating, or feeling full despite eating very little can be indicative of various health issues, including ovarian cancer.
- Frequent urination: Increased urgency to urinate and more frequent bathroom trips
- Vaginal bleeding: This symptom needs to be reported to your gynecologist immediately.
- Changes in bowel habits: Any significant changes in bowel habits, whether it’s constipation or diarrhea, should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Unexplained weight gain or loss: Sudden and unexplained changes in weight can be a symptom of various health issues, including ovarian cancer
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or having low energy levels consistently
- Back pain: Pain in the lower back
It is also crucial to note that these symptoms can be indicative of various conditions. Experiencing them does not necessarily mean someone has ovarian cancer. However, if these symptoms are persistent and unexplained for several weeks, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly a gynecologist.
Consider requesting a vaginal ultrasound and a CA 125 blood test which is a biomarker test for ovarian cancer to rule out potential concerns.
Studies indicate that specific risk factors elevate the chances of developing ovarian cancer, whereas other factors may lower a woman’s likelihood of contracting the disease. It is crucial to bear in mind that the presence of risk factors does not guarantee the development of ovarian cancer for all individuals. Some women who get this type of cancer have no known risk factors.
Factors that may increase your risk for ovarian cancer:
- A family history of ovarian, breast, uterine or colorectal cancer
- Increased age
- Genetic mutations like in your BRCA genes https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
- Being post-menopausal
- Ashkenaz Jewish descent
If you think you may be at risk for ovarian cancer, you should speak with your doctor, preferably your gynecologist.
Factors that can decrease your risk for ovarian cancer:
- The use of oral contraceptives
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Early diagnosis can significantly impact the effectiveness of any necessary interventions and is crucial for improving survival rates in ovarian cancer.
Please be vigilant and advocate for your health care. Be attuned to any unusual or persistent symptoms mentioned above, and if they persist for more than a few weeks, take proactive steps to seek medical attention. Your awareness and proactive approach can make a significant difference in early detection and overall health outcomes.
If diagnosed with ovarian cancer, it is essential to research your disease to enhance your understanding. A wealth of information is accessible online, including reputable sources like OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Association), National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), the National Cancer Institute, and the Clearity Foundation. These sites provide evidence-based research (links to them can be found at the end of this article).
Facing a diagnosis of ovarian cancer and undergoing chemotherapy was a difficult journey for me and resulted in many complex emotions. I found that I could embrace both happiness and sadness independently and simultaneously.
As I was facing adversity with two additional chemotherapy treatments along with a hospitalization for bilateral pulmonary blood clots, I was able to keep a sense of humor. Sharing laughter with my friends and family created a sense of connection and support for me during that difficult time.
At the beginning, I feared the unknown … not knowing how I would respond to treatment and how I would proceed after treatment was completed. There were sad days of not having an appetite or not having the energy to even go for a walk. My ability to find moments of happiness and acceptance gave me the strength and resilience I needed.
Looking ahead several months to taking one day at a time was challenging for me. I found it helpful to make plans for the future, whether it was having a friend over for coffee, going out to lunch, or planning a weekend trip to celebrate my completion of chemotherapy.
Early detection is associated with higher survival rates.
The progress made in breast cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment options has been significant. There is great potential for similar advancements in the field of ovarian cancer diagnoses. This is my hope.
Ovarian cancer is relentless! If there is one ‘take-away’ from my experience, gain an understanding of the symptoms and risk factors associated with ovarian cancer, coupled with undergoing annual gynecological check-ups. This will lead to a diagnosis at an earlier, more treatable stage. Advocating for research to enhance screening methods and develop more effective treatments is crucial in minimizing the impact of ovarian cancer on women’s health.
I have listed some valuable resources below:
- Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance https://ocrahope.org/
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition https://ovarian.org/
- The National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/
- The Clearity Foundation https://www.clearityfoundation.org/
- Nancy’s List https://nancyslist.org
Nancy’s List is one of the most comprehensive and valuable catalogs of resources I have come across. - The Society of Gynecologic Oncology https://www.sgo.org/
- Center for Advancement of Cancer Education https://beatcancer.org/
©
Linda Winkler Garvin
Health Advocacy & Consulting
Founder & President; Patient Advocate Bay Area, Inc.
E-mail: l[email protected]
Phone: (510) 520-0186
Web: patientadvocatebayarea.com
Bay Area Cancer Connection
888 222 4401
Provides financial help to breast and ovarian cancer patients under age 40.
Best Face Forward Financial Assistance Program
Provides services and subsidies for eligible individuals for non-medical services that are critical to a woman’s quality of life and body image, and that are only partly covered by insurance companies, if at all.
Best Face Forward 2.0 services include financial subsidies for wigs (cranial hair prosthesis), cold caps (scalp cooling treatment), and tattooing* (three-dimensional micropigmentation of the nipple and areola), tattooing* of the eyebrows (microblading), and yoga (where applicable). Additionally there are complementary and holistic offerings such as meditation and yoga.
*Available in select locations.
To be eligible for financial subsidy you must:
Be diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, or be considered high risk for breast or ovarian cancer, with documentation to support this from a health care provider
Meet our financial eligibility guidelines
CancerCare
CancerCare provides free, professional support services for people affected by ovarian cancer, as well as ovarian cancer treatment information and additional resources.
We also offer a Women’s Cancers Program to help support female-identifying individuals coping with cancer.
Clearity Foundation
At Clearity you can get the information you need for your ovarian cancer experience delivered in the way you want.
Our team members can meet one-on-one with you for individual conversations and specific guidance.
Our knowledgeable OC Counselors provide guidance and resources for every aspect of the ovarian cancer experience, from dealing with stress and uncertainty to talking with family members.
Our Scientific Team knows the latest treatment information and clinical trial research so they can answer questions specific to your clinical situation.
Our website and online tools have accurate, up-to-date information – everything from ovarian cancer basics to the latest research.
- Our website is a great place to start to learn ovarian cancer basics and get familiar with the terms.
- Our online treatment information and Clinical Trial Search tool are kept up-to-date with latest research and results so you can easily filter to find personalized information.
You can visit our website for more information or contact us to speak to a Clearity member.
Every step of the way, Clearity is here to support you living your life with ovarian cancer on your own terms.
Want to talk to someone about the stress related to your or a loved one’s ovarian cancer diagnosis? Clearity’s Steps Through OC program will match you with a trained OC Counselor who will provide you with personalized emotional support while navigating an ovarian cancer diagnosis.
I want to learn more about Stress Management.
I want to Register to Get Connected to an OC Counselor.
I want to talk to someone at Clearity. Contact Us.
We are thrilled that our three-part Ovarian Cancer Online Symposium video series has received more than 10,000 views since launching in September. We developed this video series in collaboration with GOG Partners to connect the ovarian cancer community with experts in the field to receive timely, personalized education and information.
You can still register to watch all 3 videos and see for yourself why so many people have benefitted from this unique series.
- If you know others who have been impacted by ovarian cancer, please forward this email to them.
- If you have already watched, and have questions about ovarian cancer treatment or the cancer experience, please email us your suggestions for topics to address in the future.
Video #1: Symposium Intro & Ovarian Cancer Overview
- Ramez Eskander, MD, UC San Diego, Chief Medical and Scientific Advisor, The Clearity Foundation, Associate Clinical Trial Advisor, GOG Partners
- Hillary Theakston, Executive Director, The Clearity Foundation
Video #2: Platinum-Sensitive and Platinum Resistance Recurrence
- Kathleen Moore, MD, Stephenson Cancer Center, Associate Director, GOG Partners
- David O’Malley, MD, The Ohio State University, James Cancer Center, Ovarian Trial Advisor, GOG Partners
Video #3: Understanding Clinical Trials and The OC Roadmap
- Thomas Herzog, MD, University of Cincinnati, President, The GOG Foundation, Inc.
- Anne Mette Buhl, PhD, Director, Science & Clinical Trials, The Clearity Foundation
- KrisAnn Talarico, Director, OC Counseling, The Clearity Foundation
Clearity takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach to help women identify the treatments that may work best against their unique disease.
Assessing their medical history, as well as tumor molecular profiles and other diagnostics, Clearity professionals help women and their physicians chart the most advantageous course of treatment.
When a treatment decision needs to be made, Clearity provides information about the standard options for each patient’s clinical situation, as well as access to genomic information about their cancer to help inform their decision-making.
Clearity offers Tumor Blueprints, which identify the molecular characteristics in a tumor that may be driving its growth and survival. The Blueprint is generated by measuring specific protein biomarkers and genetic variations in a patient’s cancer and linking those findings to potential treatments. The online, interactive Tumor Blueprint Report provides results from each patient’s molecular profile, including drugs that may be most effective.
This profile can help prioritize treatment options already being considered by the clinical team and may also suggest options they have not yet considered, including off-label medicines or drugs being tested in clinical trials. Clearity experts review this information with patients, answer their questions about the results and help them find clinical trials when appropriate.
Clearity also offers assistance for women who do not want to get their tumor profiled or have already obtained a tumor profile and want help understanding it. As with those receiving Tumor Blueprints, Clearity can discuss standard of care options and identify appropriate trials.
Clearity does not provide medical advice about which treatments they should receive. Instead, our staff explains Tumor Blueprint results and provide potential questions, and other information, that patients can discuss with their physicians.
All of Clearity’s services are provided free of charge. We believe all patients should have access to the most advanced care, personalized for them, regardless of their ability to pay.
Clearity believes that all women deserve the best possible therapies for their unique disease and the best possible emotional support for their unique life challenges.
Founded in 2008 by scientist and survivor Laura Shawver, Ph.D., Clearity Foundation seeks to revolutionize the ovarian cancer experience.
Our goal is to support physical and emotional health to improve the survival and quality of life of women with ovarian cancer. We give hope to women with ovarian cancer and their families.
To achieve this, we:
Share the latest information on treatment options
Help women access the most useful and comprehensive tests to better understand the molecular profile of their cancer
Guide women to clinical trials where appropriate
Offer professional emotional support and educational resources to women and caregivers
Provide an online community with information and social support.
All of Clearity’s services are provided free of charge. We believe all patients should have access to the most advanced care, personalized for them, regardless of their ability to pay.
www.clearityfoundation.org
Here are few ways you can watch, attend, and read the latest from Clearity and the ovarian cancer community.
Scroll down for more info on each one.
Clearity’s Friends and Founders events are a unique opportunity for our supporters to hear directly from our ovarian cancer experts, including a live Q&A.
Recordings from the past two events are available below.
“Why Do I Feel Like This?”
This installment of the series focuses on the emotional impacts of a cancer diagnosis, exploring how a person diagnosed with cancer may face seemingly opposite emotions, such as feeling hopeful yet fearful or surrounded by family yet lonely.
Clearity’s experts, Susan Hess, Director of Education and KrisAnn Talarico, Director of OC Counseling share things to keep in mind when emotions don’t make sense and ways to support the person diagnosed and their loved ones.
“The Scientific Landscape of Current and Promising Ovarian Cancer Treatment”
This is your opportunity to hear the latest from Anne Mette Buhl, PhD, our Director of Science & Clinical Trials and Dr. Ramez Eskander, our Chief Scientific and Medical Advisor. In fact, Dr. Eskander shares the very latest after recently attending the ASCO Annual Meeting!
You will also hear about Clearity’s ambitious future plans from our Executive Director, Hillary Theakston.
Psychosocial Support: Steps Through OC
Clearity believes that all women and active caregivers deserve compassionate and professional emotional support while managing an ovarian cancer diagnosis. To this end, Clearity offers the Steps Through OC program for ovarian cancer psychosocial support.
This personalized, one-to-one assistance helps individuals manage the stress and coping associated with their diagnosis. The program offers ten sessions of professional support over the course of six months to both patients/survivors and active caregivers as well as educational content, resources and referrals.
Our OC Counselor team does not provide psychotherapy services. Instead, our team provides professional, ovarian cancer-focused support around the emotional experience of the diagnosis. Each OC Counselor has a master’s degree in mental health and offers expert compassionate listening skills, education in coping methods and useful, personalized resources.
Details
The Steps Through OC team is here with comprehensive support to help you, your caregivers and family live a full life while managing ovarian cancer. Wherever you are in your OC experience, we respect your unique situation and the aspects of life you care about most. Through a series of ten individual phone calls or videoconferences, our professional OC Counselors are ready to help understand who you are, how you feel, your concerns, and provide ways to manage your ovarian cancer experience with coping tools, education and resources. Our primary goals are to enhance your self-advocacy, ease your emotional and physical symptoms/side-effects, increase your confidence in treatment decisions, enhance your coping and resilience skills, reduce your stress level, and work toward a personal goal that is important to you in this process. Our recent independent program evaluation showed high participant satisfaction along with statistically significant evidence of: 1) improvement in overall quality of life, 2) improvement in emotional well-being, 3) improvement in functional well-being, 4) perceived stress reductions, and 5) improvements in coping.
https://www.clearityfoundation.org/psychosocial-support/
www.stepsthrough.org
[email protected]
1.866.830.5134
Treatment Decision Support
Every year, more than 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, survival improvements are decades behind other cancers. Clearity is working to change that. Clearity believes that all women deserve the best possible therapies for their unique disease. To achieve this, we:
–Announce the latest treatment options available at new diagnosis, at maintenance, and at recurrence or disease progression
–Explain how tumor testing can reveal the cancer’s molecular profile and suggest possible treatment strategies
–Help identify clinical trials that best suit each woman’s specific situation
If you would like personal one-to-one assistance, our Treatment Decision Support scientific team can help you. Clearity does not provide medical advice about which treatments women should receive. Instead, our staff explains treatment options and tumor testing results and provide potential questions and other information that they can discuss with their physicians.
We aim to help you understand:
–Standard chemotherapy and targeted treatments appropriate for your particular clinical situation
–How your tumor’s characteristics (biomarkers, profile, gene mutations/alterations) can make it more sensitive to certain therapies
–Promising drugs in clinical trials that may be appropriate for you
The Details
Clearity takes a comprehensive hands-on approach to help a women identify the treatments that may work best against her unique disease. Assessing her medical history as well as tumor molecular profiles and other diagnostics, Clearity professionals help each woman and her physicians chart the most advantageous course of treatment. When a treatment decision needs to be made, Clearity provides information about the standard options for each patient’s clinical situation, as well as access to genomic information about her cancer to help inform her decision-making.
Clearity offers Tumor Blueprints which identify the molecular characteristics in a tumor that may be driving its growth and survival. The Blueprint is generated by measuring specific protein biomarkers and genetic variations in a patient’s cancer and linking those findings to potential treatments. The online interactive Tumor Blueprint Report provides results from each patient’s molecular profile, including drugs that match. This profile can help prioritize treatment options already being considered by the clinical team and may also suggest options they have not yet considered, including off-label medicines or drugs being tested in clinical trials. Clearity experts review this information with patients, answer their questions about the results and help them find clinical trials when appropriate. Clearity also offers assistance for women who do not want to get their tumor profiled or have already obtained a tumor profile and want help understanding it. As with those receiving Tumor Blueprints, Clearity can discuss standard of care options and identify appropriate trials.
Clearity does not provide medical advice about which treatments they should receive. Instead, our staff explains Tumor Blueprint results and provides potential questions, and other information that patients can discuss with their physicians.
Advancing Care
Since 2008, Clearity has profiled tumors for hundreds of women. The Clearity database records the results from each woman’s Tumor Blueprint, along with information about the therapies they received and how well they worked. Matching molecular profiles with outcomes provide additional evidence to help guide treatment decisions. Clearity has created a separate data repository that stores privacy-protected clinical and tumor profiling data. As this database grows, it supports research studies and helps Clearity provide more up-to-date information about the therapies being considered by the women and physicians who come to Clearity for support and scientific guidance.
Someone Who Listens
Clearity exists to help women find credible information about their ovarian cancer and the treatments that can help them survive. We are scientists, but we also know that cancer’s impact goes way beyond a clinical diagnosis. Our goal is to understand each patient’s unique priorities and needs. That means long, purposeful discussions informed by both science and compassion.
If you missed the latest Friends and Founders event, don’t worry…the recording is now available!
Let’s Talk About Nutrition: A conversation about the role food plays in living well with ovarian cancer
Guest speaker Erin Pellegrin, RD, LDN, the Director of Culinary Nutrition and Education at the breast and ovarian cancer organization, Unite for HER, presented on this important topic.
Erin covers:
- Why nutrition matters for cancer patients, including the risk of malnutrition
- Getting started with 3 P’s – One of them is protein
- The challenges which may arise – Discover strategies to overcome them
Just click below to watch the recording and visit the Resource Page.
Our Friends & Founders webinar series is the chance for a select group of our participants and supporters to spend an hour hearing the latest ideas and information from Clearity staff and expert guests.
Each online session offers new perspectives on the chosen topic, ranging from the latest ovarian cancer research to conversations about managing the impact of this diagnosis on people’s day-to-day lives.
We always allow time for audience members’ questions at the end.
ACCEPTS VIRTUAL CLIENTS
https://www.clearityfoundation.org/treatmentdecisionsupport/
[email protected]
The Clearity Foundation
8880 Rio San Diego
Suite 800
San Diego, CA 92108
(858) 657-0282
Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Grants may be given to qualified applicants in Colorado for:
Monthly financial assistance for expenses like rent, mortgage, medical insurance premiums, groceries, childcare, transportation, utilities and medical bills.
Maximum $500/month/up to six months.
Medical expense assistance associated with seeing a Gynecologic Oncologist for a first-time or second opinion visit. $500 maximum/one time.
Limited transportation assistance to join a clinical research drug trial. $500 maximum/one time
Critters for the Cure
If you are currently in treatment for breast and/or gynecological cancer, in need of financial assistance and live in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C., you may apply for emergency financial funds from Critters For The Cure.
Funds are provided for a variety of expenses, such as (but not limited to) acupuncture, biofeedback, massage & mind-body therapy, scarves, wigs, and anti-nausea medications, as well as transportation to treatment, daycare, medical co-payments, rent assistance, utilities, and even dog walkers.
CFTC does not pay medical bills.
You must be in active treatment to qualify for financial assistance. Active treatment does not include long-term hormonal therapies (including Tamoxifen, Fareston, Arimidex, Aromasin, Femara, Zoladex, Lupron, Megace, Halotestin).
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
A non-profit organization for women who are at high risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer due to their family history and genetic status, and for members of families in which a BRCA mutation may be present.
FORCE’s website can be a helpful resource for anyone who knows she is at risk, who wonders whether she might be at risk, or who cares about the issues and concerns that women-at-risk face.
Karen Swanson Fund
Fulfills a special need or end-of-life request for those with active metastatic breast or ovarian cancer.
The fund is not meant to be used for medical treatment or basic living expenses, but for improving the quality of life during the dying process.
Amounts granted are up to $750.
To receive funds from Bay Area Cancer Connections (BCC) Karen Swanson Fund, you must
(1) have metastatic breast or ovarian cancer,
(2) live in the San Francisco Bay Area,
and (3) not be able to afford this extra expense without the support of this fund.
For more information, please call the BCC Helpline at (650) 326-6686 or toll-free 888 222 4401.
Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation
A grassroots charitable organization that was incorporated in 2008 to raise money for ovarian cancer awareness and education and to provide direct financial assistance for women being treated for ovarian cancer.
Currently, MFOCF is the only foundation in the country to provide financial assistance for women with ovarian cancer.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Since our beginnings in 1991, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has grown from an impassioned grassroots effort into a major force in raising awareness.
We support survivors and caregivers, and fund research to advance treatment and find a cure.
Everything changes when you or a loved one is diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Emotions are high.
Your world feels out of control, filled with medical tests, surgical procedures, treatments, and unfamiliar terms.
It’s a scary, overwhelming time, but one thing is for sure.
You are not alone.
The mission of the NOCC is to save lives through the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer and to improve quality of life for survivors and their caregivers.
Nearly 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 14,000 women die from the disease. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in later stages when the prognosis is poor. However, if diagnosed and treated early when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. This is why it’s imperative that the early signs and symptoms are recognized not only by women, but by their families and the healthcare community.
Here at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), our goal is to ensure that we are addressing the needs of our ovarian cancer community, while also building relationships across the country that help us spread the word about ovarian cancer and inspire action. We offer a wide variety of complimentary programs for survivors and their caregivers.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or the disease has recurred, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) is here for you every step of the way, including online support groups and events.
Many of us are ovarian cancer survivors.
All of us are here to answer your questions and offer compassion and encouragement whenever it’s needed.
Many women with ovarian cancer gradually adjust and enjoy full and rewarding lives.
NOCC can help get you there, too.
Teal Hearts NetworkTM is a regional peer-to-peer support group that invites you, at any stage of your treatment or survivorship, to join.
This group provides a place for you to get the emotional support you may need as you navigate this journey.
Survivor Peer-to-Peer Support Groups, Caregiver Support Group, 24/7 Online Support Forum
New members are always welcome.
Join us throughout March as we dive into family cancer syndromes like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), Lynch syndrome, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. We will learn what family cancer syndromes are and review common and less common types associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. |
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Join us on March 28th for the first Ask the Experts in 2024! We will sit down with our friends at FORCE and Sharsheret to discuss genetics and family cancer syndromes. Learn more about family cancer syndromes, the role of genetics in ovarian cancer risk, genetic testing, and discover a variety of risk reduction strategies to help you understand your options. See you LIVE on Facebook! |
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Faces of Hope |
Are You An Ovarian Cancer Survivor In Need Of A Supportive Community?
Connect with other survivors who genuinely understand what you are going through as you navigate your cancer diagnosis. Our Teal Hearts Network Program offers encouragement, hope, respect, and valuable resources in a safe, supportive environment.
Our complimentary virtual support groups are for anyone diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
General Support Groups – |
Central Maryland – Third Thursday of the Month – 7:00 pm EST |
Additional Support Groups: |
Newly Diagnosed – Navigating My New Normal: |
Young Adult – Coping Together: |
Advanced Cancer – Transitions Of Hope: Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 pm CST
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Online Programs:
Animated Patient Guide (Interactive Learning Resource), FB Live Educational Series, Quality of Life Online Series
Direct Support Services:
Educational/Support Kits, Meal Delivery Service, One-on-One Counseling, Financial Assistance
Community Events:
Signature Run/Walk Event, Regional Rejuvenate Retreats, Regional Educational Events, National Wellness Conference
Reduce your Risk |
Genetics and Family Cancer Syndromes |
TEAL Cares Network |
Stay Up to Date With Ovarian Cancer News! |
Opportunity to Participate in Research Survey
Adelphi Real World, a healthcare research company, is conducting a comprehensive research survey specifically designed for ovarian cancer survivors. This survey was created to gather patients’ perspectives on the challenges and burdens of an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Your participation will provide crucial information that can enhance the understanding of survivorship, treatment outcomes, and quality of life beyond diagnosis.
Participants will be compensated $50.00 for survey completion.The survey should take about 15 minutes to complete.
Eligibility requirements to participate include:
- Must be in active treatment
- Must be diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer (diagnosis date of June 2020 or after)
- Must not be participating in a clinical trial
If you’re interested in taking part, please email the study coordinator at: ARW-FieldworkManagement@
With warm regards and heartfelt thanks,
Melissa Aucoin 12221 Merit Drive Information: 888-OVARIAN (888-682-7426) |
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Financial Assistance Program, in partnership with the Patient Advocate Foundation, is here to help reduce the barriers associated with ovarian cancer treatment and clinical trial participation by providing financial assistance for non-medical expenses.
The NOCC Financial Assistance Program includes two funds:
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Clinical Trial Fund
- National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Treatment Fund
To apply for either fund, you may call and apply over the phone or apply online:
866-719-2767 –
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
The Oshun Charitable Organization (OCO) provides information about ovarian cancer to Black women. The OCO’s awareness campaigns partner with women in their communities to provide lifesaving, critical health information. While knowledge is power, we understand the systemic barriers faced within medical institutions. Our advocacy campaigns are rooted in pushing for more early detection testing of ovarian cancer.
OvarCare
OvarCare is a package especially designed for ovarian cancer patients in need for financial assistance to celebrate these incredibly strong and resilient women. What does OvarCare offer?
- Financial grant of $200
- Optional counseling session via phone by a licensed clinical social worker
- $100 Gas card
- $100 grocery card
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA)
OCRA is the leading organization in the world fighting ovarian cancer on all fronts while supporting patients and their families.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is dedicated to curing ovarian cancer while improving treatments by advancing innovative science, promoting preventive measures, and advocating for, educating, and supporting anyone affected by gynecologic cancers to ensure the best possible care and outcomes.
OCRA is the leader in fighting ovarian cancer: convening experts and stakeholders to facilitate progress; advocating for more federal funding while awarding grants to fill the gaps; and supporting ovarian cancer patients and their families, as well as any type of gynecologic cancer patient.
OCRA invests more funds into ovarian cancer research than any other public charity.
OCRA Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Develop Blood Test to Detect Ovarian Cancer
In a news segment for NBC 4 New York, Dr. Daniel Heller, an OCRA grantee, discussed the exciting OCRA-funded study being undertaken in partnership with Microsoft AI for Health.
“We’re really excited about the power of AI because there has been so much success in other disease areas, and because we have this great partnership with Microsoft,” says Audra Moran, OCRA’s President & CEO. “We think there’s so much potential.”
Dr. Heller’s grant was made possible in part by a generous donation from The Edmée Firth Fund for Research in Ovarian Cancer (EFFROC).
Prevention:
Until we find a cure, prevention is our greatest weapon.
Early in 2023, OCRA spearheaded the promotion of new recommendations in the fight against ovarian cancer. Turning decades of conventional wisdom on its head, OCRA acknowledged what the science has shown — current methods of early detection and symptom awareness do not save lives — and began recommending a new path for prevention.
In a dramatic shift of focus, OCRA began a nationwide push for genetic testing of those at increased risk and consideration of a prophylactic surgery if having another related surgery even for those at average risk, to potentially prevent the deadly disease.
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Advocacy and Education: Advocacy and knowledge is the lifeblood of change.
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On the Hill: OCRA has built an army of dedicated advocates who stand united in support of the cause. OCRA tirelessly urges Congress to prioritize the fight against ovarian cancer and is the only ovarian cancer-dedicated voice on Capitol Hill continuously advocating for hundreds of millions of dollars in federal research funding and for related health policies that benefit patients and survivors.
In the Classroom: Education forms the bedrock of progress. OCRA’s groundbreaking program, Survivors Teaching Students®, transcends the boundaries of traditional education. Dedicated volunteers share their personal stories and shed light on the realities of ovarian cancer in the classrooms of rising healthcare professionals. By equipping these future doctors and nurses with firsthand knowledge, OCRA empowers them to make a difference in the lives of countless women.
Support: In times of adversity, support becomes a beacon of hope.
OCRA’s compassionate Patient Support oncology social work team is available to anyone touched by ovarian cancer, and any other gynecologic cancer, offering a comprehensive array of programs, including a wide range and type of virtual support groups. And OCRA’s transformative Woman to Woman peer-matching is available in 30+ hospitals nationally as well as virtually for anyone, anywhere that needs support. Understanding the power of companionship and the solace found in shared experiences, OCRA’s support services offer comfort, guidance, and healing to all those in need.
OCRA: Advancing research, promoting prevention, advocating for change, educating healthcare professionals, and providing unwavering support — making a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer for all those affected.
We’re pleased to share a new set of resources for the ovarian and gynecologic cancer community: 25 informational videos, all delivered by experts in the field and originally presented at our 2023 National Conference.
Alongside the most recent updates on research, treatment, and care, you’ll discover valuable insights and supportive tips for navigating daily life with gynecologic cancer.
Video topics include thriving post-diagnosis, managing symptoms, talking with family about cancer, coping with financial challenges, maintaining a healthy diet, spirituality, and much more.
PO Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141, United States
212-268-1002
ocrahope.org
Ovarian Cancer Patient Charity Project
We are a non-profit charity group, donating 100% of proceeds to gynecological and breast cancer patients for bills, utilities, rent, car payments, treatment, past and previous doctor bills, surgery, medications and chemotherapy/radiation, and more. If you are a patient who needs financial assistance, fill out our online application, or send to the address or fax on the contact page. We will try our hardest to assist every request for financial help. You can use the funds for ANYTHING that is burdening you financially. All we want is the patient in need to be as stress-free as possible while receiving treatment of a potentially deadly disease.
Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer
Providing patients with free healthy meals and assistance, Ovations for the Cure helps patients push through with your helping hands. Ovations recognizes that ovarian cancer patients may need a little extra help and guidance while battling this disease. One of the ways we can assist patients in need is by providing a healthy, well-balanced diet. And now, thanks to tremendous support from our generous sponsors, we can provide patients in the Massachusetts area with meals — free of charge. These meals are not only healthy, but they’re delicious too!
SHARE
SHARE is a national nonprofit that supports, educates, and empowers women affected by breast, ovarian, or metastatic breast cancer, with a special focus on medically underserved communities. Our mission is to connect these women with the unique support of survivors and peers, creating a community where no one has to face breast or ovarian cancer alone.
SHARE’s mission is to create and sustain a supportive network and community of women affected by breast and ovarian cancers. SHARE brings these women and their families and friends together with others who have experienced breast or ovarian cancer and provides participants with the opportunity to receive and exchange information, support, strength and hope.
Services include hotlines in English and Spanish with capacity in 12 other languages, support groups, wellness programs, educational meetings, and advocacy activities.
Turning-the-Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats
The mission of Turning The Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats, Inc. is to build a community that empowers women living in New England who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer to live fully, primarily through an annual retreat.
This is not your ordinary camp either! No camp beds or spidery-webbed shower stalls: each women shares a room with one other woman, complete with private bath. Think “hotel room” quality. The back door faces the lake so the views are just wonderful.
Each morning there were gifts outside our door, gifts like a string knapsack with a warm blanket – perfect for those who want to go to the meditation class. On the day I arrived, I was greeted by a whole group of women who carried my bag and other items down to my room. When I entered the great room, there was a beautiful fire going and a smell of lavender in the air. Each of us was given a hot lavender foot soak and foot massage … .ahhhhh. Hot drinks were available and the women who had been there before sat beside us and immediately engaged us in conversation. Everyone was warm and friendly.
We sat down to gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Table clothes, cloth napkins and candles adorned the tables. Conversation flowed.
Activities included zip lining, archery, kayaking, making fairy gardens, cooking, and many other arts and craft classes. In addition we were treated to Therapeutic Touch sessions, deep meditation sessions using music and other instruments. Every woman was treated to a massage. There was so much to see and do that the days flew by.
The best thing however, was getting to know these wonderful women who have gone through the same journey as you. It was a time for us to relax and most importantly, rejuvenate.
When the notice goes out that camp registration is happening, be sure to jump on it because the spots fill quickly. Hope to see you there!
Turning-the-Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats
The mission of Turning The Tide Ovarian Cancer Retreats, Inc. is to build a community that empowers women living in New England who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer to live fully, primarily through an annual retreat.
This is not your ordinary camp either! No camp beds or spidery-webbed shower stalls: each women shares a room with one other woman, complete with private bath. Think “hotel room” quality. The back door faces the lake so the views are just wonderful.
Each morning there were gifts outside our door, gifts like a string knapsack with a warm blanket – perfect for those who want to go to the meditation class. On the day I arrived, I was greeted by a whole group of women who carried my bag and other items down to my room. When I entered the great room, there was a beautiful fire going and a smell of lavender in the air. Each of us was given a hot lavender foot soak and foot massage … .ahhhhh. Hot drinks were available and the women who had been there before sat beside us and immediately engaged us in conversation. Everyone was warm and friendly.
We sat down to gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Table clothes, cloth napkins and candles adorned the tables. Conversation flowed.
Activities included zip lining, archery, kayaking, making fairy gardens, cooking, and many other arts and craft classes. In addition we were treated to Therapeutic Touch sessions, deep meditation sessions using music and other instruments. Every woman was treated to a massage. There was so much to see and do that the days flew by.
The best thing however, was getting to know these wonderful women who have gone through the same journey as you. It was a time for us to relax and most importantly, rejuvenate.
When the notice goes out that camp registration is happening, be sure to jump on it because the spots fill quickly. Hope to see you there!
Unite for HER (UFH) Wellness Program
The Unite for HER (UFH) Wellness Program is available to those diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer in the last 18 months, as well as for those living with metastatic breast cancer or recurrent ovarian cancer, renewing services for life.
All patients in the Wellness Program receive a HER care box containing educational resources, healthy products, and a passport valid for one year and $2,000 of integrative therapies, including professional counseling, nutritional counseling, meal delivery services, virtual fitness and yoga classes, sexual health counseling, and meditation.
Women’s Cancer Resource Center
Offers free services to all women with any cancer. We also offer emergency financial assistance to low income people living in Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California through two programs:
The Faith Fancher Breast Cancer Emergency Fund provides financial support of up to $600 to low-income people actively in treatment for breast cancer and living in Alameda and Contra Costa counties in California.
To apply for emergency financial assistance, please call us at 510 420 7900. We will work with you and a social worker to get you the referral you need.
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