Family Ties

Ovarian Cancer is a women’s disease True or False. Very much False.

More than 80 genetic 'spelling mistakes' of DNA that can increase the risk of breast, prostate and ovarian cancer have been discovered. And remember breast cancer is not just pink but also can affect men. It is essential to track your genetic family history of both the women and men. Science Daily reports, "For the first time, the researchers also have a relatively clear picture of the total number of genetic alterations that can be linked to these cancers."

No one is immune to genetic deviations, we all have them – the affect is dependent on where they are found on the DNA. Finding the misspellings for Ovarian Cancer, some of which are more prevalent than  BRAC1 and BRAC2, has a trifold outcome: the ability to calculate the individual risk of cancer, to better understand how Ovarian Cancer develops, and to be able to generate new, personalized treatments. This research could lead to better screening and prevention strategies. Understanding the risks helps you make informed choices based on your personal risk factors.

"Our hope is that these genetic variants, along with established epidemiologic factors, such as reproductive history, will not only enhance our ability to predict which women are at increased risk for developing this highly fatal disease, but will also provide new insight into the underlying biology and pathogenesis of ovarian cancer," said epidemiologist Joellen Schildkraut, PhD, director of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences program at Duke Cancer Institute.

Understanding your risk and the confidence to fight for the empowerment of your health care is the subject of the new independent film Decoding Annie Parker. Helen Hunt plays geneticist Mary Clair King, the researcher who isolated the BRAC1 gene, entwined with the story of Annie Parker’s attempts to convince everyone of what she believed in her heart after watching her mother and sister die – that the disease was not random and that she was at risk to develop breast cancer. Help spread the word about Annie Parker. It is a fresh outlet to encourage the conversations about tracing the roots of the family tree and speaking up for your care.

These are personal stories of how the Scrabble game of our DNA plays out. We would like to think that we have 100% control over our bodies, that if we just lived the holistic life, we would be disease free. Once we know the facts, we can ask for as much control as we can to manage our own risks.

Even if you don’t think that your family is at risk, make sure you know all the factors and include all sides and members of your family tree – both men and women.

Men should be as diligent as women to share Ovarian Cancer symptoms and encourage those who have symptoms to seek medical attention. With the most prevalently age of diagnosis over 55, when the symptoms could be construed as menopause or stress, too many women will not put themselves first, delaying possible diagnosis. Take care of the women you love.

Keep giving to Ovarian Cancer research causes. There are tangible results from programs such as those at the Duke University and Dr. Andrew Berchuck and the work of real life "stars" like Mary Claire King, and Washington University fellow, Elizabeth Swisher. The potential for breakthroughs exists every day.

Ovarian Cancer is not a woman’s issue. The common ancestry of our shared bloodline makes it is part of our family ties.

Cancer Warriors - The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry

There are some clubs you prefer not to be a member of. But membership can have its privilege - the privilege to give back as with the The Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

 Established in 1981 by Dr. M. Steven Piver, the registry collects data, detailed history and pathological samples from families with two or more cases of ovarian cancer. This data is used for research to identify genes and characterize risk factors with the goal of finding better tests for detection and screening and ultimately - prevention of this deadly disease.

Searching for answers after his wife's Gilda Radner's death, Gene Wilder, began corresponding with  Dr. Piver. In 1990, the registry was named after Gilda, who died from ovarian cancer at age 43. Gilda's story is the story of so many women and the "disease that whispers" - symptoms of fatigue, bloating and cramping - doctors who for ten months told her she was nervous and emotional - who did not ask about her family history - including her grandmother, cousin and aunt, who all died of ovarian cancer.

For families who have seen sisters, aunts, mothers and cousins struggle and fight ovarian cancer, what better way is there to honor them then to give of yourself right in the hands of researchers who are going to answer the questions - why and how can we benefit the next generation?

Cancer Warrior - Dr Barbara Buttin

The sign is ready and the balloons are here. Just get the walking shoes on and Team Chasen is ready for the Walk to Break the Silence. The donations are close to the $300,000 mark - walk day contributions will make a big difference.
I would like to share the story of one of my favorite cancer warriors - Dr. Barbara Buttin. Dr. Buttin, a former resident of Dr. David Mutch at Washington University School of Medicine, was understanding to my story of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer. Dr. Buttin has been tasked with a new mission - to begin the Center of Excellence in Gynecological Oncology in Winfield, IL. Although Dr Buttin is no longer in the classroom, she is still teaching. She is educating the public and medical community as she speaks on Hereditary & Family susceptibility of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer. She tells me there is so much more work to do. That is why we cannot stop walking.

Hereditary Ovarian Cancer - Empower Yourself

Reading through posts and comments on Ovations for the Cure leads me to the topic of Hereditary Ovarian Cancer. Ten percent of ovarian cancer cases are considered the result of inherited genes or a hereditary cancer. For families with the gene alteration, the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer increases to 60%. These odds should send every women who has a family member with ovarian cancer to arm herself with the facts. This is mission of FORCE - supporting awareness and advocacy specific to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Along with breast and ovarian cancer links, there is HNPCC or Lynch syndrome which effects both men and women as an inherited risk of colon, endometrium and ovarian cancers. I have heard women at seminars on ovarian cancer ask the questions - afraid to connect the dots - "what about my grandmother's stomach problems no one wanted to talk about?" - "I don't want to frighten my granddaughters." Go to your primary care physician and gynecologist armed with the facts and refused to be dismissed by the odds. Don't play the percentage game. Empower yourself - we need survivors.