THE RUN
The Run for Ovarian Cancer started simply with a group of fitness friends and a discussion over coffee in September 2002. Ann Crowley was still reeling from her diagnosis of ovarian cancer when she became committed to raising awareness about this devastating disease.
The first event in 2003 was far more than a resounding financial success. It was a personal triumph for Ann Crowley and the cancer survivors who raised over $85,000.
Help continue Ann's legacy by joining us in beating last year's total of $175,000. Register today! We look forward to seeing you on May 12th, Mother's Day 2024!
THE FACTS
- An estimated 3,100 Canadian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer per year.*
- An estimated 1,950 will die from it.
- Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer for women and is the most serious women's cancer.*
- Ovarian cancer is a serious disease with no early detection test. Most women are unfortunately diagnosed in the later stages of the disease and 60% of them will not survive past four years.
- Even though the statistics surrounding the disease are bleak, the good news is that when it is diagnosed in the earliest stages, the long-term survival rate is 90%. Education and awareness are the best tools we have for improving survival by alerting women to the signs and symptoms of the disease.
*Source: ovariancanada.org
THE SYMPTOMS
- Vague but persistent gas, nausea, indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea
- Abdominal bloating, feeling of fullness, or pain
- Frequent urination or urgent urination
- Menstrual disorders, pain during intercourse
- Fatigue, backaches
- Weight gain or loss
- Abdominal distension
THE RISKS
- Personal or family history of breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate, or colon cancer
- Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or syndrome
- Increasing age
- Unexplained infertility, no pregnancies, and no history of birth control pill usage
- Use of high-dose estrogen for long periods without progesterone
- North American or Northern European heritage and/or Ashkenazi Jewish population
- Living in an industrialized country
Take action if any symptom lasts more than 2 weeks!
Screen for ovarian cancer includes a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal sonogram.
Pap smears DO NOT detect ovarian cancer.