OVCA Survivors Course

This past Saturday I went with two other women from my support group to an OVCA Survivors Course presented by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. It was a free, all-day event in Cleveland, and they hold them in different cities throughout the year (they did mention one coming up in Las Vegas). One had been planned in Cleveland in 2008, but was cancelled, so I was pleased to see one promoted for this year.

I learned a lot, and feel that the speakers were wonderful. They all give up their own time without compensation for these presentations, which made me appreciate them all the more.

The topics presented were: Ovarian Cancer: Is Progress Being Made?, Screening and Early Diagnosis, Ovarian Cancer Genetics, Understanding CA 125 Levels, Clinical Trials and Future Treatments, Ovarian Cancer Survivorship: Quality of Life, Completmentary Medicine and Lifestyle Issues, Management of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer, and Addressing Sexuality and Intimacy Issues in Ovarian Cancer. There were Panel Discussions, also, in which a group of the presenters would answer questions that had been handed in on cards.

There will be similar courses held in Baltimore, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C. (along with Endometrial and Cervical courses) in 2009. As I said, they are free. I found exposure to "advertising" to be kept at a minimum, and a light breakfast and lunch were provided. One gyn/onc doc had paid for a bus to bring a group of women from Columbus for the event, which everyone thought was a very nice gesture!

The GCF's website has more information, and sign up can be made there.