Conversations for Change

Ovarian Cancer and Health Equity

In a new 6-part series from BlackDoctor.org and Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, members of OCRA’s community share their perspectives as Black women navigating ovarian cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care.

In the first four episodes, OCRA’s patient panel, comprising Tiffani Fields, Vernelia McKnight, Camille Williams, and Kristen Foreman, tell their stories and talk about factors that had an impact on their experience. In part five, Dr. Dineo Khabele, Chair of Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and a member of OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, shares her expert viewpoint. To close out the series, Tracy Moore, LCSW, OCRA’s Vice President, Support & Education, discusses OCRA’s research and support initiatives, the programs and resources available to patients and loved ones, and how the organization is addressing disparities to improve outcomes.

In this first episode, Tiffani, Vernelia, Camille, and Kristen talk about their experience as Black women navigating ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Dive deeper into the personal journeys of each woman as they work through diagnosis and begin treatment for ovarian cancer.

Learn how the women were impacted emotionally and physically by the challenges of treatment, and found strength and support in the face of adversity.

Learn how community and support groups became a lifeline, and why inclusivity and access to resources is of critical importance.

Dr. Dineo Khabele, Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis and a member of OCRA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, lays out the facts about ovarian cancer, including the importance of risk awareness and prevention, and the disparities in outcomes that disproportionately affect Black women.

Tracy Moore, OCRA’s Vice President, Support & Education, talks about OCRA’s free support programs and resources available for gynecologic cancer patients and their loved ones, from its Woman to Woman Peer Mentor Program and Staying Connected Support Series, to its Clinical Trial Navigator, Genetic Testing Program, Doctor Finder, and more.