Ovarian Cancer Education
Getting the word out about ovarian cancer
It is vitally important that women are educated about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Pap smears do not detect it and there are currently no reliable screening methods. Knowing the signs and symptoms is the best way for a woman to keep track of her health regarding ovarian cancer. It is also important to know the risk factors, and what to do if you have symptoms.
In addition, ovarian cancer is commonly misdiagnosed as an intenstinal disorder. It is critical that physicians raise their awareness of ovca symptoms. To this end, the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance has initiated the Survivor's Teaching Students: Saving Women's Lives program, sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA). We are sending teams of ovca survivors to the University of Colorado School of Medicine to speak with medical students, informing them about the high incidence of ovarian cancer misdiagnosis and other pertinent details.
Teams of of survivors are also available to speak at community venues through our COCA Speaker's Bureau. The women on our teams have undergone training and are able to tell their stories with compassion and objectivity. Contact us if you would like us to visit your locaion.