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.
- All females are at risk of contracting either or both of these cancers.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes exist to repair damaged DNA
- When those genes are damaged they are designated as mutated putting the woman at higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.
- These mutations are most common in Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish women, followed by Hispanics.
- According to the American Cancer Society in Jan. 2020, it was estimated there would be 268,000 breast cancer diagnoses and 41,760 deaths.
- And, for ovarian cancer it was estimated that there would be 21,700 new cases and 13,900 deaths.
- Research is the most important part of medicine. Without it there would not be any vaccines, chemotherapies, and other such drugs to treat cancer and other diseases.
- Help support Dr. Holloway’s research through AdventHealth Foundation-Orlando by donating to one of two major fundraising events: https://auctionbydesign.com/projects/just-want-to-donate to a golf team OR make a bid on an auction item at https://event.auctria.com/cf26bb5e-65f6-4504-a3bb-d6ad07f20d8b/e01343701eee11eab8ff03b36d06615e
- 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.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
Thank you for keeping this in the spotlight Karen. I’ve seen too many go through it and an early catch sure helos. Xo
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Early diagnosis with any cancer is a major factor in recovery. Too many of us ignore or rationalize what could be symptoms of a serious problem. If the symptom persists for 2 weeks, then see medical help.
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Thank you for this very informative post, Karen. I’ve had family members, relatives, and friends who have dealt with breast cancer. Sadly, that seems to be true of most people.
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I have the same experience including my sister who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wrote this blog because most breast cancer survivors do not know they are at risk for ovarian cancer. Thank you, Mae, for your comment.
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Thanks for this, Karen. I have so many friends who have developed one cancer or another. 🙂
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Cancer is a nasty disease and does take too many lives. One life is too many. Ovarian cancer is the only one in which I am well enough informed to write about. Thank you for reading and commenting on this blog, Harmony. Your input is always appreciated.
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Thank you, Karen, for bringing Ovarian and Breast Cancer to the spotlight. After my father and my sister were diagnosed and both underwent mastectomies, our family is especially alert. Bless you. ❤
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Yes, men get breast cancer also. Thank you, Gwen, for sharing about your father and sister.
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