The San Diego branch of the Pacifica Institute hosted a special presentation on ovarian cancer awareness by Ovarian Cancer Alliance (OCA) of San Diego’s HEAR™ program.
Facilitated by Peg Ford, the founder of OCA, and supported by three surviving patients, the audience was made aware of the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer during the presentation.
Ovarian Cancer is the deadliest of the gynecological cancers. Even though the family history (several occurrences of breast and/or ovarian cancer) and old age can play a major role, all women are at risk and there is no early detection for this very lethal cancer. However, there are symptoms that can be monitored, including bloating, difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, abdominal pain, back pain, fatigue, and indigestion. These symptoms are usually subtle; therefore, require increased awareness and personal monitoring. Experts suggest prompt medical evaluation if one has a number of these unusual symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks. Frequent gynecological checkups are also highly recommended for higher risk groups.
Carol Fabricatore, Lynn Neu and Cindy Silver shared the very personal stories of their journeys with this disease. They all feel a deep commitment to share their stories to help empower women to be their own health care advocates. They hope that every one that hears the presentation will share the information they learn with every woman in their lives and ultimately lives will be saved because of this new found knowledge.
They were greeted with great warmth in Pacifica Institute and the evening ended with the audience appreciating this opportunity to learn more about this disease.
