"Never doubt the ability of a small group of dedicated citizens to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that has."   -  Margaret Mead

Your Help Is Urgently Needed

Ovarian cancer is an under-recognized threat to women's health. More women die of ovarian cancer than all the Gynecologic Oncology combined. It is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. Because the symptoms are subtle, 78% of women diagnosed are diagnosed after the cancer has spread. Fewer than 25% will survive 5 years. But it doesn't have to be.

By Speaking Out You Can Make a Difference

Unlike most other cancers, if caught early, ovarian cancer is 90+% curable. The problem is there is no easy test for ovarian cancer like the Pap smear for cervical cancer. Researchers are currently at work on promising new tests and treatments. Advances are hampered by grossly inadequate funding. The NIH spends less than $.45* per woman on ovarian cancer research.

The time is right to raise our voices and show our senators and representatives that this silent disease is silent no more. We need to win adequate research and treatment funds so we can stop this disease from killing more women. Speaking out works - by getting involved, breast cancer survivors have increased funding for breast cancer that has led to new treatments and tests that are saving more lives than ever before. We can do the same for ovarian cancer!

Your Action Can Save Lives

You can help pass meaningful legislation to increase federal funding. It's easy and it won't take a lot of time. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is a very effective lobbying organization. Their Website keeps up-to-date information on legislative issues and ways you can get involved. Since legislative issues constantly change, I urge you to check the OCNA site periodically to stay up on new developments. This is an ongoing battle that needs ongoing support. By going to the OCNA site and then letting your senators and representatives know you expect them to support more funding for ovarian cancer and its treatment, we can make a difference.

Show a Friend You Care

Another way you can help save lives is to send the Ovarian Cancer Facts and Symptoms sheet to every woman you know. Just click the OvCa Alert button to email it, or download it and mail it to your friends. It seems like such a small thing but it can make a tremendous difference.

Speak Out! Women's Lives Depend on It!

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance: http://www.ovariancancer.org/legislation/legislation.html

* US July 1999 est population figure 139,329,299 women; $62 million NIH funding for OVCA in 2000