More Information
If you would like to get involved or would like more information about Ovarian Cancer Awareness, please email Kari Johnston
Please check back for event updates
Coming Events
Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer
Massachusetts Chapter
Sunday, September 11, 2011
4:00 - 9:30 PM
Marine Park, Day Boulevard
South Boston
For more information or to register, please visit here.
The 3rd Annual Volley for Molly
Friday, September 30, 2011
4:00 - 9:30 PM
Ralph Lord Gymnasium
Lexington High School
Past Events
Team Molly Games
September 24, 2010
Volley for Molly 7:00 PM
Lexington High School vs. Reading High School
Lexington High School
Dress for a Cause - An Evening Benefitting Ovarian Cancer Awareness
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 PM
41 Main Street
Concord, MA
Turn it Teal Massachusetts 2010
For the second year, organizations in Massachusetts turned their exterior lights teal in support of raising ovarian cancer awareness. If you are interested in turning your building teal for the month of September, please contact Kari Johnston at kjohnston@therendongroup.com.
Special thanks to the following organizations for their support of the Turn It Teal 2010 Campaign:
Adobe Systems, Incorporated
Bank of America Pavilion
Hyatt Regency Boston
Hyatt Regency Cambridge
IBEW Local 103
Legal Sea Foods Corporate Office
Leonard P. Zakim/Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Prudential Center
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Light Blades - Wharf District
TD Garden
Verizon IMAX 3D Theater at Jordan's Furniture
Westin Boston Waterfront
Team Molly Awareness Week
September 20-25, 2010
2009
Click here to view the broadcast from September 18, 2009
September 2009 Teal Ribbon Awards
Watch the latest public
service announcement
Visit our coalition members for more information:
About Ovarian Cancer
It is estimated that more than15,500 women will die in the United States from ovarian cancer this year. Many women don't seek help until the disease has begun to spread. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often subtle and easily confused with other ailments.
Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and difficult to diagnose. Research suggests there are four symptoms that may be associated with ovarian cancer:
• Bloating
• Pelvic or Abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Backaches
Other symptoms may include:
Talk to your doctor if symptoms last more than 2-3 weeks. You are your best advocate.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may order the following tests:
• Physical examination - Your doctor will palpate your abdomen to look for discomfort and tenderness or abnormal fluid
• Pelvic examination
• Blood Test - Your doctor may order a CA-125 blood test. This test measures CA-125 in the blood. CA-125 is found on the surface on ovarian cancer cells and also normal tissue. A high CA-125 level may indicate ovarian cancer or other conditions.
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
There are four stages of ovarian cancer. Your doctor will determine your stage of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is treated differently depending on which stage you are diagnosed with.
The four primary stages are:
Stage I: The cancer is completely contained within the ovary or ovaries
Stage II: The cancer is in one or both of the ovaries and has spread to additional organs located in the pelvis such as the bladder, colon, rectum or uterus.
Stage III: The cancer is in one or both ovaries and has spread to one or both of the following: the lining of the abdomen or the lymph nodes.
Stage IV: The most advanced stage of cancer. The cancer has spread from one or both ovaries to additional organs such as the liver or lungs, or there may be cancer cells in the fluid surrounding the lungs.
Recurrent: The cancer has returned after successful treatment.
The four stages of cancer are also divided into sub-groups
Risk Factors
Ovarian cancer does not discriminate. It can strike a woman of any race or at any age. We do know that women with certain risk factors may have a greater chance of developing ovarian cancer. These risk factors include:
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Personal history of cancer
Women over the age of 55
Women who were never pregnant
Women on menopausal hormone replacement therapy
Read more about the role of heredity and genetic testing from the National Cancer Institute.
