Tag: #research

WHAT IS NEW IN CANCER RESEARCH, PART 1.

karenringalls2 Comments

There are several types of GYN (gynecologic) cancers. There will be articles about each one of them in the coming weeks.

Uterine/endometrial cancer affects an estimated 66,200 people in the United States. Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women in the United States. Worldwide, an estimated 417,367 people were diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2020.

Immunotherapy is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer. There is interest in a specific area of immunotherapy called “checkpoint inhibitors,” such as PD-1 or CTLA4 targeted immunotherapies. They help activate the immune system and can shrink tumors. Some of these immunotherapies work better in combination with other treatment types. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/uterine-cancer/latest-research

Advent Health donation for the research programs is an effective, safe, and easy way to donate one-time or monthly. You may designate which cancer you want to support. Here is the link: https://give.adventhealth.com/give/564821/#!/donation/checkout

You can read my story and see my page at https://give.adventhealth.com/fundraiser/5552764

“We see a day where people are screened with a simple blood draw for many cancers … That dream is closer to reality than I think any of us fully appreciate.” — Kevin Conroy, president and CEO, Exact Sciences

CANCER: WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

karenringalls6 Comments

There are over 200 types of cancers, which can be grouped into 5 categories: carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as brain and spinal cord cancer.

The term “cancer” originated from the Greek word “karkinoma” which means “crab”. It was named so because tumors were observed to resemble the shape of a crab, with a central body and extending “legs”.

Approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022.

Approximately 609,360 individuals are estimated to die from cancer in the United States in 2022.

Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern. In September, we raise awareness about this disease. The number of new cases is 10.3 per 100,000 women each year, with a death rate of 6.3 per 100,000 women. Unfortunately, these numbers haven’t improved much over time. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be 19,710 new cases and 13,270 deaths due to ovarian cancer. These statistics are quite alarming.

The reasons behind this issue are:

  1. Insufficient funding for research.
  2. Lack of education for doctors and nurses.
  3. Lack of awareness among women and girls about the warning signs, which can be subtle.

I want to raise awareness about this dangerous cancer. Women and girls, please pay attention to your bodies, know the signs, and see a doctor. You can support research by donating to organizations like OCRA or NOCC. You can also donate to our local fundraiser (bidpal.net/teal).

TEAL MAGNOLIA LUNCHEON

karenringalls4 Comments

RAISING FUNDS FOR GYN. CANCER RESEARCH!

BRINGING AWARENESS & EDUCATING

SHINING THE LIGHT ON WOMEN’S CANCERS

Do you know a woman? A young girl? Do you know that they are at risk for any of the GYN (gynecologic) cancers?

In 2018, 110,000+ new cases, 32,000+ deaths

Cervical is detected through PAP smears

Ovarian has been diagnosed in preteens

The major gynecologic cancers are ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, and fallopian tubes

You are invited to attend the annual Teal Magnolia Luncheon on April 22, 2023, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at 60 South Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando. The guest speaker is the award-winning children’s book author and meteorologist, Amy Sweezey.

Raffle prizes, silent auction, lunch, education booth, medical and pharmaceutical companies in attendance, and much more.

TICKETS $60 per person. CAN’T ATTEND? A donation would be most welcome. bidpal.net/teal. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO RESEARCH FOR GYN. CANCERS.

STRONG WOMEN; STRONG MEN.

karenringalls6 Comments

The movie, Steel Magnolias, is about strong women always helping and supporting others through difficult times.

What makes a strong woman?

  • She is a fighter
  • …knows what she wants
  • … respects vulnerability and honesty
  • …will not shy away from intimacy
  • …empowers others.
  • …needs integrity, respect, and consistency
  • …knows her purpose in life.
  • …can be intense and hard to handle
  • …loves unconditionally
  • …is full of positivity and productivity.

https://ideapod.com/10-qualities-strong-women-men-cant-handle/

The male characters also showed their strengths and were loving, kind, and helpful to the women. Traits of a strong man:

  • Has goals and dreams
  • Respects others privacy
  • Comfortable taking the reins
  • He is NOT possessive or jealous
  • He is a strong communicator
  • His support is unwavering
  • Has a great sense of humorhttps://www.yourtango.com/love/traits-men-strong-partners

Every year, the Teal Magnolia Luncheon raises funds for research and awareness/education about the five major gynecological cancers. Teal s the color representing all these cancers, and the name comes from the movie.

The annual luncheon was started over 20 years ago but was discontinued several years ago for a variety of reasons. Last September a group of us brought it back and with 52 people in attendance, we raised $3500. In May of 2022, we welcomed 140 attendees and raised $15,650. Every penny went to gynecological cancer research. If you would like to donate, please go to bidpal.net/teal

We do these lunches for the estimated 100,000 females diagnosed with gynecological cancers each year of which 32,000 die. If a female has any or all of her reproductive organs, she is at risk regardless of her age. Even preteens have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and teenagers with cervical cancer.

Our committee and volunteers included care partners, survivors, patients, health care workers, and family or friends of those who have passed away, They each demonstrated their strength, passion, dedication, and love for this cause. They were like the characters in Steel Magnolias: STRONG PEOPLE.

How are you living your life? Answer the questions below. Then make changes that will make you STRONGER.

  • Do you have the characteristics of a strong person?
  • How well do you handle problems (large or small)?
  • Are you reliable?
  • Trustworthy?
  • Give love unconditionally?

The answers you provide are yours alone. Be the person you want to be.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. Your comments or questions are always welcome.