Toll-Free National Teleconference for Women with Ovarian Cancer

Online, August 19, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Support Connection, Inc. announces a free Toll-Free National Teleconference for Women with Ovarian Cancer. It will take place on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 8 pm - 9 pm (NY time.) 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. It is being held in September in recognition of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Guest speaker is Dr. Afshin Bahador, Gynecological Oncologist at South Coast Gynecologic Oncology in La Jolla California. He is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with subspecialty board certification in Gynecologic Oncology. A Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, he has been chosen by his peers as one of San Diego's Top Doctors for 5 years in a row. Dr. Bahador is considered an expert in robot-assisted surgeries for a wide range of gynecologic cancers, and is a clinical instructor at Balboa Naval Medical Center and University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine.

Topics to be discussed include issues related to recurrence, such as treatment options following the conclusion of first line therapy, the role of clinical trials, and some of the categories of drugs being evaluated in clinical trial settings along with preliminary results. Also to be discussed: Genetics and heredity pertaining to ovarian cancer, such as risk for other cancers and risk to family members. There will be a question and answer period facilitated by a Support Connection Peer Counselor.

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 2011 "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. The teleconference was made possible by a contribution from Jack and Ilene Cohen in memory of Helen Steckler.

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 this year, about 21,990 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 15,460 will die from it. If ovarian cancer is found and treated before the cancer has spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 94%. However, only 15% of all ovarian cancers are found at this early stage. (American Cancer Society)