September 22, 2000

September is National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise public awareness of such diseases as cervical and ovarian cancer. At the MGH, much is being done to help this cause – in patient support, research and education. The following is an overview of some of the MGH activities focused on the fight against ovarian cancer.

Patient support: O.C.E.A.N. (Ovarian Cancer Education and Awareness Network) is a group of ovarian cancer survivors and supporters at the MGH, whose mission is to increase awareness, provide education and raise money for research. Together with the MGH, O.C.E.A.N. recently held an Ovarian Cancer Awareness reception at the Museum of Science, which included an exhibit entitled "body image~body essence." Sculptor John Magnan, whose wife, Mary, was treated at the MGH for ovarian cancer, created the exhibit. Magnan’s collection of 15 sculptures depict the emotions and experiences of women with ovarian cancer. In addition, six pieces of Magnan’s sculpture appeared at St. John Boutique on Boylston Street, with a portion of the proceeds from sales to benefit ovarian cancer research at the MGH. The public may view the exhibit Sept. 12 through Oct. 9 at the Museum of Science. For information about the exhibit, visit www.bodyimage-bodyessence.com. For more information about O.C.E.A.N., call (888) 206-5006.

Research: Research is being conducted both at the MGH and nationwide to help find the causes and possible cures for ovarian and other gynecological cancers. New screening tools are being tested nationally to find a better way to detect ovarian cancer before it spreads, which makes treatment more difficult. New surgical techniques, including many that are minimally invasive, are being developed and are in trial stages at the MGH, particularly through the Center for Minimally Invasive Therapy. Minimally invasive techniques to monitor patients’ change in disease status also are being tested. In addition, new chemotherapeutic agents and combinations of drug treatments are being tested to treat both newly diagnosed women with ovarian cancer and women with advanced disease.

"There always are new things coming into the picture and hopefully together they will hit a home run as far as diagnosis and treatment are concerned," says Maria Roche, MS, RNCS, of the MGH Gillette Center for Women’s Cancers. "Especially with the new research being done in gene therapy and immunotherapy, the future of ovarian cancer treatment looks promising."

Education: The MGH Cancer Center’s HOPES (Helping Our Patients/ Families through Education and Support) program will offer "Clinical Trials in Ovarian Cancer," Sept. 29, noon to 1 pm in the Cancer Resource Room on Cox 1. This seminar, facilitated by Karen Borden, RN, NP, and Maria Roche, RN, NP, of the Gillette Center for Women’s Cancers, will discuss the latest in ovarian cancer trials at the MGH. In addition, a health fair with information about various women’s cancers, including breast cancer, will be held at the MGH Oct. 20 in the Main Corridor. In recognition of the fight against ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers, teal-colored ribbons – symbolizing the cause – are available during September in the Gillette Center for Women’s Cancers at the MGH, located on Cox 1. For more information about ovarian cancer, visit the Cancer Resource Room.

Bruce Chabner, MD, clinical director of the MGH Cancer Center, and his wife, Davi-Ellen, at the art exhibit.