Will you help us fight the “Silent Killer”?
My wonderful fun loving aunt came face to face with the “silent killer” last year when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her cancer was stage 3, meaning it had spread beyond the ovaries. She had zero symptoms of her cancer and zero family history. She was fit, ate well- lived the typical organic California lifestyle. She was the last person I would guess to have this. She courageously battled chemo and radiation for 6 months while also dealing with the death of her father. Last Christmas, we had our “Aunt Peggy” back. She was again her fun, gregarious self- relishing the life she appreciated so much more. Months passed, life went on and most of us forgot she was a cancer survivor and still very much at risk. This past spring, we tragically discovered her cancer was back, now stage 4 and very aggressive. Sadly, doctors have done as much as they can and now consider her cancer terminal. She had zero symptoms of her cancer and zero family history. She was fit, ate well fHer first grandchild is due this spring and we hope and pray she will be here to hold this little one in her arms.
While we realize September was ovarian cancer awareness month, we need to keep this deadly cancer in our minds every month. Unlike breast cancer, there is no easy detection- no lump to possibly find. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,650 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2008 and about 15,520 woman will die from the disease. It is an insidious disease that can strike without warning or cause.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms. In spite of this, patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and only 45% strive longer than five years. Only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region. However, when ovarian cancer is detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate is great than 92%.
Until we have better early detection tools, all women should be educated about the disease so they can achieve early diagnosis and successful treatment. A woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67. Listen to your body. Don’t Ignore symptoms.
Source: The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc.
What can we do? First, spread the word about this deadly cancer. As women we need to be aware of the vague symptoms that are so easily dismissed by doctors. Know your body and respect it’s signs when it is telling you something. Donate. Support ovarian cancer organizations. Shop sites that donate.
This is a very popular teal silicone ovarian cancer awareness bracelet. It has the words Hope, Faith, Courage, and Strength. Awareness ribbons sit between each word. The wristband comes in one size: 1/2″ x 8″ Circumference.
For every ovarian awareness wristband bracelet sold, Shanrene, Inc. donates $.25 to the The Lynne Cohen Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research. The Lynne Cohen Foundation raises funds and awareness for the early detection prevention of women’s cancers. Your purchase of this teal silicone ovarian wristband will benefit charity!
The necklace was designed by 2008 Swarovski Award for Accessory Design recipient Philip Crangi and features a double eternity ring design of cubic zirconia set in sterling silver. One ring is worn for remembrance and one ring is worn as a symbol of hope for the future.
The two eternity rings are free floating and suspended from an 18″ rolo link chain. Each ring is comprised of 21 channel set, 2mm brilliant cubic zirconias.
This necklace normally retails for $99 but is being offered for only $29.95 (plus $5.95 s&h) to support ongoing research to defeat this dreadful disease. Net profits (five dollars per sale) will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Purchase it here.
OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS CLASSIC BRACELET W/ SILVER , $50
Features the teal ribbon and set on a crisp white background to welcome new beginnings. 15% of the net proceeds are donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. You can purchase this bracelet at angelamoore.com
~Jennifer
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#1 Sky on October 9, 2008:
I’m praying for your aunt…I really, really hope she’s able to hold her first grandchild. Thank you for sharing this important post!!
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