Simply put, a biopsy is a surgical procedure that involves removing a piece of tissue, cell sample or fluid from part of the body, to determine if cancer cells are present. A biopsy is performed in a medical facility, and is often an out-patient procedure, meaning it does not require a hospital stay. Some biopsies, … Continued
Nonprofits all over the world are hurting because of COVID-19. While people everywhere are feeling the uncertainty and struggle surrounding this global crisis, we also know that the needs of ovarian cancer patients that existed yesterday still exist today – and in many ways have become amplified. #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving taking place … Continued
Those who have faced an ovarian or gynecologic cancer diagnosis have so much to offer to others going through a similar experience – be it support, tips or friendship. Inspired Advice is a blog series that tackles specific topics – from managing treatment-related nausea to intimacy post-diagnosis – and shares advice and reflections from our OCRA Inspire … Continued
Today is National Superheroes Day, and while we realize that many of these “national days” are made up holidays, we can’t let this day go by without acknowledging just a few of the people in our ovarian cancer community who are real life OCRA Heroes. They may not wear capes or fly through the air … Continued
“Eyebrows are sisters, not twins.” This is the best advice Morgan Gaynor received when she was in treatment for ovarian cancer. She laughed as she admitted it, acknowledging that it may seem ludicrous considering, but for the 31-year-old woman from Red Bank, New Jersey, it was poignant. “There’s something about the eyebrows and eyelashes that … Continued
Last year, nearly 13,000 medical and nursing students gained a better understanding of ovarian cancer—an understanding they’ll carry with them as they begin seeing patients of their own—by hearing the stories of our Survivors Teaching Students® survivor and caregiver volunteers. These experiences, shared face to face in classrooms with future healthcare professionals, leave a more … Continued
This last Sunday, April 19th, kicked off what had been shaping up to be a promising season of Ovarian Cycle events taking place all over the country. These events bring people together in high impact fitness classes — building community, honoring those facing ovarian cancer, remembering loved ones who have passed, raising awareness of … Continued
In the “days BC (before cancer)”, Jess BeCraft was a self-proclaimed DINK (dual income, no kids). A career-driven, world-traveling, Chicago-loving woman, Jess and her husband decided a little over three years ago that they were ready to start a family. “We knew life would dramatically change,” Jess said. “But we had no idea just how … Continued
The novel coronavirus pandemic has impacted the healthcare system on every level. Right now, OCRA is working alongside several cancer advocacy groups to ensure government agencies are aware of COVID-19’s real-life impact on cancer patients. If you’re currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, please take a moment to complete the form below. Sharing your experience … Continued
When we think about ovarian cancer, or any illness, often our first instinct is to think about the patient who has been diagnosed or undergoing treatment. This is only natural, of course. And much of our work is rightly focused on improving outcomes for the patient. But behind each patient, there may be others whose … Continued
There’s no ‘right way’ to deal with shock or grief. The feelings are intense, and reactions to it are personal and varied. But Jaimie Kusher needed to feel like she was in control of a very out-of-control situation when her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2015. Jaimie was 29 years old … Continued
(April 17, 2020) The Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer brings together women’s healthcare professionals from across the globe to discuss the latest findings in gynecologic oncology. This year, the conference is being held virtually, through a series of high-level webinars that are free and open to the public. Click through to register … Continued
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