Modern Hygienist - September 2008 - (Page 36)

life | OVARIAN CANCER That “other” female cancer A breast cancer survivor encourages us to look beyond pink ribbons. by Maureen Murphy Chodaba, RDH JaneAnn was my Mom’s lifelong friend. When she told a joke, it would ignite laughter from even the most somber of human beings. Ruth was my best friend’s mother. She made the best Toll House cookies in the world. Gilda was a famous comedian. Although we never met, as “Roseanne Rosannadanna,” she made me stand up and cheer, “Live from New York. It’s Saturday Night!” Lynne was a beautiful woman from my church. She had the face and spirit of an angel. Each of these women embraced life and love with their family and friends. Each of these women touched my life in a special way. Each one made me smile, made me laugh, and eventually, made me cry. Each of these women had their life stolen by ovarian cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, I thank God everyday that I live at a time when early detection of breast cancer is possible. Breast cancer awareness is at its peak. Successful fund raising efforts have led to advanced research that produces new and better methods of early diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer survival rates are ever increasing. Pink ribbons are everywhere. Do you know the color of the ovarian cancer ribbon? It is teal. Unfortunately, the teal ribbon is rarely seen. It’s a beautiful color, but it’s a very lonely ribbon. Stand Up To Cancer has raised more than $100 million to accelerate research and bring new therapies to patients more quickly. Its unprecedented collaboration among TV networks, entertainment industry execs, celebrities, and leaders in cancer research and advocacy is designed to end cancer’s reign as a leading cause of death. To donate or to buy your own SU2C shirt, visit standup2cancer.org. will die from the disease. It is a disease that most often strikes with no warning, causing only vague symptoms until the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries. In cases where ovarian cancer is detected before metastasis, more than 90% of women survive longer than five years. At present, there is no effective screening method for the early detection of ovarian cancer. One common misconception of the disease is that it can be detected with a PAP smear. A PAP test is used to detect cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer. We do have some examination methods available, but all are limited in their scope of adequacy. A vaginal-rectal pelvic exam allows the ovaries to be manually examined from many sides. This exam should be performed at every woman’s annual gynecologic check-up. A transvaginal ultrasound can create a picture of the ovaries allowing for detection of an irregular mass. It cannot diagnose malignancy, but can reveal levels of suspicion. The CA 125 blood test measures a “marker” or tip Wear a teal ribbon to work. Most people are unfamiliar with its significance and are sure to ask you about it. It’s a great opener for talking about ovarian cancer. * * * DETECTION DEFICIT Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States, and it is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in American women. It is estimated that more than 20,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and more than 15,000 For more information… These organizations are a great place to start whether you’re looking for facts or a place to donate funds. * * * Ovarian Cancer National Alliance ovariancancer.org Ovarian Cancer Research Fund ocrf.org National Ovarian Cancer Coalition ovarian.org 36 modernhygienist.com | September 2008 PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHER/GETTY IMAGES http://www.standup2cancer.org http://www.ovariancancer.org http://www.ocrf.org http://www.ovarian.org http://www.modernhygienist.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Modern Hygienist - September 2008

Modern Hygienist - September 2008 Contents Editor's Letter Letters Modern Solutions Access Denied Kids First: Creating Comfort Worn Out? Voice of a VIP Hands-on Hygiene: Magnification In Focus Digital Persuasion That "Other" Female Cancer Ad Index Classifieds Moonlighting

Modern Hygienist - September 2008

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