OCRF News

OCRF and GCF Fund Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Study
02/04/2009


On February 5, 2009, OCRF, in partnership with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), announced that Barbara Goff, M.D., Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Washington, has been named to lead the OCRF Ovarian Cancer Symptoms Study. The award was presented by OCRF Scientific Advisory Board Vice-Chair, Carmel Cohen, M.D., at the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists 40th Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer™ in San Antonio, Texas.

 

The study builds on an original symptoms study conducted by Dr. Goff which formed the basis for the first national Consensus Statement on Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, issued in 2007. Click here to read the New York Times article about Dr. Goff’s prior work.

The grant will allow researchers to forge ahead in their efforts to develop a systematic symptoms screening process for ovarian cancer—a critical step, because ovarian cancer is much easier to cure when caught early. "Through the continuation of this vital research, we aim to debunk the myth that ovarian cancer is a 'silent disease,’ and empower both physicians and women to be better equipped to recognize symptoms in their earliest stage," Dr. Goff said. "Huge progress has been made, and now it's time to take the next step."



Press
"Ovarian Cancer, Silent No More."  Community Oncology, April 2009. 

 

The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer has increased by only 8% in the last 30 years.
We are at a critical crossroads for supporting research into unlocking the mysteries of ovarian cancer. You can make a difference by supporting the research of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Help us find a cure for ovarian cancer. Donate online and make a difference.




Every day throughout September, OCRF will present one new fact about ovarian cancer.

1. In 1809 Dr. Ephraim McDowell of Danville, Kentucky became the first surgeon in the world to successfully remove an ovarian tumor. The patient survived the surgery and went on to live a long life.

2. Some researchers are investigating evidence for the premise that an effective therapeutic vaccine against ovarian cancer is useful not only for inducing remission of the disease but also for preventing disease relapse. (Journal of Hematology & Oncology 2010, 3:7, Liu, B., Nash, J., Runowicz, C., Swede, H., Stevens, R., and Li, Z.)

3. A woman's lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 71, with most cases developing post-menopause.

4. The symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling of fullness or urinary issues, can be subtle but are often present early.

5. Approximately 22,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.

6. Approximately 37% of OCRF grantees have been women; 43% are racial or ethnic minorities.