Tag: research

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.

ONE SMALL STEP…

karenringalls11 Comments

In July we began celebrating the fifty years since Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were the first humans to step onto the moon. It was a small step from the Lunar Module, but a giant step for further space exploration.

The thousands of men and women who contributed to this event are to be congratulated on their devotion, expertise, and time. It was not an easy task.

Apollo 11 Image Gallery–NASA

Many small steps have been made in the last few years with ovarian cancer. Immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and target therapy are new advances in the treatment of this cancer that is the 5th leading cause of death in women. Immunotherapy is being studied in many clinical trials. I refer you to https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2017/09/immunotherapy-and-ovarian-cancer-an-update/ for updated information.

As an ovarian cancer survivor for the past eleven years, I am thrilled to see giant leaps for women with ovarian cancer. The many years of small steps are coming up with advancements that are extending or saving lives. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/treating.html. The dedication of researchers and physicians and those who have participated in clinical trials are heroes and heroines. Thank you.

I recommend watching this video of hope Our Way Forward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVt3TbHvEME

Another example of small steps leading to change has been the acceptance of all people no matter their race, religion, political beliefs, or sexual identities. A collection of poems by Forrest Stepnowski called Journey to Rainbow’s End brings enlightenment to a topic that has divided families and nations. I encourage you to buy it at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ9GWCM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 The small steps by him and thousands of others is bringing us to a giant step forward.

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.” –Maya Angelou

I welcome your comments. Perhaps share your memory of July 20, 1969; your experience or knowledge about cancer; and your thoughts about bias or acceptance in society. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Karen Ingalls