There are a number of women’s cancers that do not have corresponding organizations such as Ovarian Cancer Canada to provide women with awareness information, education and support. To address the needs of women in relation to these cancers, most of which are gynecologic, exciting partnerships are being formed by existing organizations, groups and networks across the country. Ovarian Cancer Canada is proud to play a role in this collaboration, which will make the best use of existing knowledge and resources.
While our organization is dedicated to the ovarian cancer community and always will be, our leadership and expertise in ovarian cancer means we have much to offer regarding how other women’s cancers can affect women’s lives − from sexuality, fertility and self-image to a host of survivorship issues. I will keep you informed as our collaborative efforts take shape.
In May, Ovarian Cancer Canada was a platinum sponsor of the 5th Canadian Conference on Ovarian Cancer Research in Toronto. This conference has galvanized the national ovarian cancer clinical and research communities through the founding efforts of Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, Corinne Boyer Chair in Ovarian Cancer Research at the University of Ottawa and chair of Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Research Committee. Click here for a report of key scientific presentations prepared especially for our audience by several young scientists.
We were delighted to see the conference incorporate a trainee day for young scientists − a concept successfully piloted by Ovarian Cancer Canada at the last research conference two years ago in Montreal. This event brings together young scientists and ovarian cancer survivors, so that the scientists can develop a better understanding of how the disease affects the lives of women.
As part of the conference, Ovarian Cancer Canada also hosted a day for survivors − with excellent presentations on clinical trials and emerging therapies, complementary therapy and survivorship issues. Stay tuned for coverage of key highlights in our summer issues of Seeds of Hope Newswire.
Many other exciting projects and events are under way at Ovarian Cancer Canada. We are in the process of redeveloping and updating our 10-year-old ovarian cancer awareness program, Listen to the Whispers. We consulted with our stakeholders and based on their feedback, we are also launching Telephone Education Series sessions with original programming in French and English − allowing people to participate in sessions in their first language. We will host sessions at varying times in an attempt to serve the needs of women and families in different time zones. In Quebec, watch for a French ovarian cancer awareness TV public service announcement (PSA) scheduled for September. Dr. Valerie Garneau, a family physician and new Ovarian Cancer Canada Board member will help us get the word out about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer in Quebec, where recent surveys show awareness is low.
I encourage everyone across the country to visit our new Winners Walk of Hope website at www.winnerswalkofhope.ca for the latest information on this Ovarian Cancer Canada awareness and fundraising event. Last year, 11,000 participants across the country raised more than $2.3 million. Join us at one of our 15 national walk sites on Sunday, September 12, at one of dozens of Mini Walk sites (see website for individual dates) in communities across Canada, or become a virtual walker!
A warm welcome to the following new staff members at Ovarian Cancer Canada: Karen Reid Sidhu, Western Regional Fund Development Manager (Vancouver office); Angela Holzer, Awareness Coordinator, Ontario Region; Victoria Johnson, E-Philanthropy Coordinator; and Claudia Connor, Coordinator, Winners Walk of Hope (Toronto office).
Photo Caption:
Recipients of Ovarian Cancer Canada awards for early detection research gathered at the recent Research Conference to receive plaques of congratulations. From left: Dr. Barbara Vanderhyden, Dr. Dimcho Bachvarov, Dr. Patricia Tonin, Dr. Michelle Letarte, Dr. Steven Narod, Dr. Trevor Shepherd, Dr. Jessica McAlpine. Missing: Dr. Eva Turley, Dr. Yuzhuo Wang, Dr. Gervais Bérubé, Dr. Eleftherios Diamandis, Dr. Pat Shaw and Dr. David Malkin.