Toll-Free Educational Teleconference for Women with Ovarian Cancer

Online, August 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On Monday, September 20, from 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm (EST) Support Connection will present "Tune In and Take Charge: Don't Face It Alone": a toll-free teleconference for women with ovarian cancer. In addition to offering educational information, the teleconference format enables women living with ovarian cancer to make connections with and gain support from other survivors, regardless of where they live. The event is being held in September in recognition of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The featured speaker for the teleconference is Thomas J. Herzog, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology, and Physicians & Surgeons Alumni Professor of Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology (Endowed Chair), of Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at The New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Herzog, board certified in obstetrics, gynecology, and gynecologic oncology, has conducted extensive research and has a keen interest in applying the principles learned from the lab to a clinical setting. He is a principal investigator in a number of GOG (Gynecologic Oncology Group) trials with a special emphasis on ovarian cancer.

Topics to be discussed include: Women facing recurrence; Highlights of some new targeted molecular therapies with a focus on a clinical trial that includes the role of Bevacizumab (Avastin) in the treatment of ovarian cancer; and the role of bio markers and molecular profiling. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, interact with one another and share common life experiences. A Support Connection Peer Counselor will facilitate the discussion.

The program is free. Women interested in participating should call Support Connection IN ADVANCE to register and receive instructions. On the night of the teleconference, participants will call a special toll-free number and be connected with the group. To learn more or to register, call Support Connection at 914-962-6402 or 1-800-532-4290.

This program is presented by Support Connection as part of their 2010 "Tune In and Take Charge!" campaign to build awareness of ovarian cancer signs and symptoms, to encourage women to self-advocate for their own health, and to give women the tools they need to take action.

OVARIAN CANCER ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death in women in the US, and is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers. It is estimated that in the United States in 2009, there were 21,550 new cases of ovarian cancer, and 14,600 deaths. If ovarian cancer is found and treated before the cancer has spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 90%. However, fewer than 20% of all ovarian cancers are found at this early stage. (American Cancer Society)