Tag: statistics

PINK & TEAL: BREAST & OVARIAN CANCERS

karenringalls8 Comments

Today, Sept. 30, marks the final day of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and tomorrow, Oct. 1, is the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

There are a few facts that about the relationship of these two cancers which every female needs to be aware of.

  1. All females are at risk of contracting either or both of these cancers.
  2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes exist to repair damaged DNA
  3. When those genes are damaged they are designated as mutated putting the woman at higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.
  4. These mutations are most common in Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish women, followed by Hispanics.
  5. According to the American Cancer Society in Jan. 2020, it was estimated there would be 268,000 breast cancer diagnoses and 41,760 deaths.
  6. And, for ovarian cancer it was estimated that there would be 21,700 new cases and 13,900 deaths.
ROBERT HOLLOWAY, MD, GYN. CANCER RESEARCH
  • According to the American Cancer Society as of March 1, 2020, breast cancer was funded $97,215,750, and ovarian cancer was funded $21,604.
The important message from this blog is:
 1. Be aware, alert, and act on any symptoms if lasting more than  two weeks.
2. Know your risk factors and family history
3. Support research by giving to various fundraisers and contact your Congressman about the need for more cancer research funding.

Thank you for taking the time to read and respond to this blog. As you have learned, cancer does not care what age, race, religion, or our social status. I hope you each have learned something over this past month.

IT’S TEAL TIME!

karenringalls18 Comments

TEAL is the color for ovarian cancer, and September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Many of the blogs that will be forthcoming this month will be about ovarian cancer. Every female of all ages, as well as those individuals who are or could be their care partners, will benefit from each blog.

T.E.A.L. Tell Every Amazing Lady about ovarian cancer.

Please note that I say female rather than woman. If you have or ever had ovaries, you are at risk, including those who have had a hysterectomy.

Knowledge about every cancer and disease is important. I am a 12-year survivor of ovarian cancer, and I am fortunate to have lived with this disease as long as I have. I say that because:

The American Cancer Society predicts that in 2020, about 21,750 women will be diagnosed, and 13,940 will die. Putting that into perspective, here are a few cities with populations of about 20,000:

  • Farmington, MN 21,086
  • Christiansburg, VA 21,041
  • Forest Grove, OR 21, 083

You will read stories from and about other survivors. I will also introduce some new drugs, ongoing research, surgical techniques, and HOPE. Ovarian cancer is a challenge, but the more each woman knows and acts upon its symptoms the better. To end on a positive note, there are approximately 250,000 survivors in the U.S. today.

For the entire month of September, I will be offering free copies of my paperback book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir. To receive your free copy, send me your name and address in the “contact” section of my website. This information will remain confidential. A symptom card will be included in each book.

Your comments are appreciated. Your questions are welcome. Thank you.