BULLETIN
T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E G Y N E C O L O G I C C A N C E R F O U N D AT I O N
WINTER 2005
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
GCAM: A Record Year of
Accomplishment
Karl C. Podratz, M.D., Ph.D.
“Say Yes to GCF”
A
s people of compassion who are dedicated to
improving the lives of those around us, the
devastations of this year — the tsunami, the
hurricanes and the earthquakes — have been difficult
to absorb. We can become easily overwhelmed when
faced with so much evident need both at home and
abroad. It can be difficult to assess how to assist and
how we can make even a minute difference.
Throughout those days, one reality check for me was
my job. Each day I came into work and faced a roster of patients who
were experiencing their own personal tragedies. For these women who
were diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, and for their families, while
help was needed far away, it was also desperately needed in their own lives
and they were searching for answers.
This daily reminder helped me
understand that while we extend
our compassion, funds and efforts
to those suffering from sudden
destruction, there are still those
whose lives we can save and
improve through the simple act
of instilling information, education
and awareness.
“Our poll findings
showed why GCF’s public
education and awareness
efforts are so critical
to reducing the number
of women diagnosed,
and the number of
women who die, from
these cancers.”
When gynecologic cancers strike,
women are suddenly affected, for
many who are diagnosed are frequently unaware of any signs, symptoms,
or personal risks they faced. This means that the Gynecologic Cancer
Foundation (GCF) and you, our members and supporters, have the ability
to help stop these tragedies of cancer by providing support for programs
and activities aimed at ending this cycle.
T
his year marked a banner sixth
year for GCF’s annual Gynecologic
Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM)
with all 50 states again supporting
the month, a
Congressional
Resolution noting the effort,
a new poll
highlighting
women’s
knowledge of
gynecologic
cancers and
ongoing grassroots activities.
New to
GCAM this
year was
GCF’s joint
national
poll with
Research!America, which was
designed to understand what women know
about gynecologic cancers, symptoms and
risk factors. Conducted via phone with
800 women in the United States, the poll
findings offered insight on what women
need and want to know to understand their
risk of gynecologic cancers and prevention.
While I care for patients each day, GCF works to ensure that over time,
I will see fewer patients with advanced disease, fewer patients who will
face death, and fewer patients overall as the years go on. Through
research, training and public education, GCF truly makes a difference.
This is a powerful mission and one that can empower you when you
realize the difference it can make for all women.
Specifically, the poll found that a majority
of women — 54 percent — believed they
were at personal risk for developing a
gynecologic cancer. Yet 58 percent were
unaware of any factors that could lower
their risk and 47 percent could not name
any symptoms of gynecologic cancers.
Therefore, amidst all of the needs today, I ask that you consider “saying yes
to GCF” before the end of the year. We have great goals for the Foundation
in 2006 and your support can help make an impact in each clinic, office and
hospital around the country. Please take a moment to consider how you can
help us stop personal tragedies that are often the result of a lack of information and understanding. Please help support GCF.
“Our poll findings showed why GCF’s public education and awareness efforts are so
critical to reducing the number of women
diagnosed, and the number of women who
die, from these cancers,” said Karl C.
Podratz, MD, PhD, GCF Chairman.
Continued on Page 8
Karl C. Podratz, MD, PhD
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
1
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
NEWS AROUND HQ
Development Corner
G
CF’s efforts to educate women continue to be supported and
enhanced by a number of generous organizations. The following is
information about the most recent assistance GCF has received.
CDC Grant Provides Funds for Ovarian Cancer Survivors Course
GCF was recently named the recipient of a grant from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), which has committed $35,000 a year for up
to five years to fund Ovarian Cancer Survivors Courses, which will include a
follow-up CD-ROM and a national Telephone Education Workshop for those
unable to attend. GCF would like to thank Dr. Vivian von Gruenigen for
informing GCF about this very important grant opportunity.
Funds Help Support Ambassadors Program
Dr. Rodrigue Mortel, a past president of SGO and the first Chairman of
GCF, recently committed $10,000 to support the GCF Ambassadors
Program, which is described on page six. The program will include formal
media training, the development of philanthropic skills and community
relationship building skill sets.
Multiple Gifts Will Help
Increase Awareness of
Ovarian Cancer
S
GO/GCF
members The SLOCA Executive
Board: (Sitting L-R) Tricia
are
Recker, Donna Dombrowski,
accustomed
Nancy Larson and (Standing
to working
L-R) Beverly Freyman, Grace
hard for their Katzenberger, Beverly
Kinkade.
patients to
improve and save the lives of those
affected by gynecologic cancers.
Occasionally, thanks to these efforts
and the support provided by members, patients return this critical help
through donations to GCF for education, research and awareness efforts.
In one example of this returned support, the St. Louis Ovarian Cancer
Awareness recently donated $25,000
to support an ovarian cancer research
grant earmarked for an early
detection/screening grant to GCF.
Dr. David Mutch, GCF’s Awards
Committee Chair, initially informed
the group about GCF and its mission.
Ortho Biotech/Tibotec
Therapeutics recently provided two separate donations to
further research and awareness of ovarian cancer by
supporting GCF’s Ovarian
Cancer Product Guide and
National Resource List.
The organization, known as
SLOCA, was founded four
years ago with a mission
to impact survivorship
through education and
awareness.
GCF would also like to acknowledge GlaxoSmithKline
which also provided funds to co-support the Ovarian
Cancer Product Guide. n
2005 Public Service
Award Presented to the
Schwid Family
T
he Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
was honored to present its 2005
Public Service Award to the Schwid
Family, who have supported the GCF
Florence & Marshall Schwid Ovarian
Cancer Research Award for the last eight
years in dedication to their parents. The Schwid Family was referred to GCF by
Dr. David Hoogerland who is pictured presenting the award to Peggi Glaser,
daughter of Florence and Marshall Schwid.
“I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of my brothers, Howard and
Steve Schwid, and in loving memory of our parents, Florence and Marshall
Schwid. Our parents were committed to supporting ovarian cancer research
and we believe that the GCF is the perfect match to their wishes.”
~Peggi Glaser
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
Patients
Say
Thank
You
2
“What started out as a fairly small
group — seven women and a small
fundraiser — quickly grew into an
organization with a full working board
of 15 and a large fundraiser that gave
us the opportunity to act on our mission and promote ovarian cancer
research,” said Beverly W. Kinkade,
SLOCA President. “We wanted
SLOCA to make a difference and be
counted as a dynamic group that helps
make an impact on early detection and
other research. Donating to GCF was
the best way for us to take this step.”
Additionally, GCF recently received
another patient donation of $100,000.
This donation came from one of Dr.
Karl Podratz’s patients, Susan A.
Olde. Ms. Olde made this generous
donation in honor of Dr. Podratz for
his compassionate care. n
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
Golf Tournaments
Raise Funds for GCF
As Capitol Hill staffers, Paige and
Mark Anderson are familiar with
garnering support for causes.
Recently, the couple and a friend,
Tom Hammond, decided to apply
their experience to generating support for GCF, in honor of Paige’s
survivorship from cervical cancer and
their dedication to raising awareness
about gynecologic cancers.
To raise funds, the group turned
their annual charity golf event into
a fundraiser for the Foundation.
Invitations went out and phone calls
were made to numerous friends and
colleagues.
“The outpouring of
support
for our
event was
nothing
short of
“Following my diagnosis and
successful battle with cervical
cancer, I have become
focused in helping women
understand these cancers that
can drastically change lives.”
spectacular,” said Mark Anderson.
“We were able to assemble a large
group who were committed to fighting gynecologic cancers and who,
based upon the success of our golf
tournament, want to participate in an
even bigger event next year.”
“Following my diagnosis and successful battle with cervical cancer, I have
become focused on helping women
understand these cancers that can
drastically change lives,” said Paige
Anderson, who is a patient of Dr.
Beth Karlan. “This focus has helped
me realize that victims can become
survivors and I can help make this
happen.”
Innovative Ways to Support GCF
GCF thanks the Andersons and
Tom Hammond for their support
and dedication.
Also, for the second year in a row,
GCF would like to thank Pansy
Dailey for generously donating
$3,000 that was raised as a result
of her 2nd Annual Ovarian Cancer
Awareness golf outing in Virginia
Beach, Virginia. n
Clean Out Your Closets for GCF
Next time you find yourself ready
for spring cleaning, think GCF. More specifically, check
out MissionFish.org, eBay’s charitable giving Web site.
GCF was recently added as a non-profit seller, which
means donors can help support GCF by listing their items
on MissionFish.org and donating 10–100 percent of the net
proceeds to the GCF. This unique program allows proceeds to be automatically transferred to GCF upon sale.
A
s we close the year and find ways to “Say Yes to
GCF,” take a look at some of the unique and innovative programs that have been established recently
to benefit GCF.
Create Your Own Web Page
and Support GCF
Giving to GCF just got a little easier.
Justgiving.com recently added GCF to
its list of organizations that benefit
from its fundraising Web pages. If you are interested in
raising funds for GCF, log onto Justgiving.com and establish a Web page to honor loved ones, physicians or any
other occasion. Be sure to earmark GCF as a recipient of
funds.
Shopping Never
Sounded So Good
GCF was recently added to
CareClicks.com, an online shopping
site that not only offers discounted prices, but also donates
proceeds of each sale to charitable organizations and groups.
With more than 900 merchants currently enrolled, including
familiar brands such as Barnes & Noble, FTD Florist and
Wal-Mart, CareClicks.com offers GCF supporters a unique
opportunity to save money and support their favorite cause.
Launch of New Online Boutique Benefits GCF
In November, Nina Franciosa and Janet SherkowKleinbart hosted a high tea and modeling event to benefit
GCF and celebrate the launch of the online boutique
ShopFranciosa.com. The event was held at the Peninsula
Hotel in Beverly Hills and featured SGO/GCF member,
Dr. Ilana Cass, as the keynote speaker. All proceeds from
the event were donated to GCF.
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
In total, the golf tournament raised
approximately $9,500, which will be
used to help educate more people
about gynecologic cancers.
Lavender Lane, a jewelry design company that exhibits its
unique creations at trunk shows, bridal shows, through catalog orders and fundraising events, has designed a jewelry set
that, when sold, will benefit GCF. Ten percent of the proceeds
raised from the sale of the set, which includes a necklace,
bracelet and earrings, will benefit GCF. For more information
please send an email to [email protected]. n
3
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Ovarian Cancer Survivors Course
G
CF recently took its Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Course back to school by hosting the course in
early September on the campus of Northwestern
University. Survivors from across the region came to
hear the latest information about medical and scientific
advances from leading SGO/GCF experts in the field.
While the educational course for survivors is not new —
GCF has been hosting the courses for eight years — the
location at a cancer center was a change that led to
enhanced interest from the advocacy community, as well
as from SGO/GCF members.
“I was truly pleased to be able to work with GCF to offer
the Survivors Course at Northwestern and to see the many
survivors and their families take part,” said SGO/GCF
member Dr. Julian Schink.
Given the success of the course at Northwestern, which
was sponsored in partnership by the Robert H. Lurie
Comprehensive
Cancer Center
GCF RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS
of Northwestern
University and
ON SURVIVORS COURSE
Northwestern
University
“Congratulations on the outstanding
Hospital,
success of Saturday’s program! You must
GCF will offer
be very pleased and proud of the results.
another Ovarian Cancer Survivors
It was Gilda’s Club Chicago’s honor to
Course at the Moores UCSD Cancer
work with the Gynecologic Cancer
Center in La Jolla, California on
Foundation on this event, and we look
Saturday, January 21, 2006. This
forward to future partnerships.”
course will be offered during the
Gynecologic Oncology Group meet~LauraJane Hyde, Executive Director
ing. GCF thanks Dr. Cheryl Saenz
Gilda’s Club Chicago
for her efforts to bring the course
to UCSD. Further details about this
“Again, our thanks for organizing
course are available on GCF’s Web
yesterday’s event. We learned a lot…
site www.thegcf.org.
and found the information and sessions
stimulating. I thought the handouts were
GCF also thanks the following for
very well done. Everything flowed very
their time and efforts for the
smoothly. We appreciate all you did to
Northwestern course: Julian Schink,
make it happen and all the support and
MD; Barbara Goff, MD; David
funding provided by the sponsors.”
Mutch, MD; Robert Coleman, MD;
Ronald Alvarez, MD; Vivian von
Gruenigen, MD; Evelyn Larrison,
RN, BSN; Diljeet K. Singh, MD,
DrPH; William Cliby, MD; and
Gina Graci, PhD. n
Mark Your Calendars
GCF’s next Ovarian Cancer Survivors
Course will be held at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center in La Jolla,
California on Saturday, January 21, 2006. GCF’s next telephone education
workshop on CA 125 levels will be held on Friday, December 16, 2005
from Noon to 1:00 p.m. (CST). Registration is available through email
and phone at [email protected] or 312.578.1439. n
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
4
~Barbara D. Wick
“I wanted to let you know how
wonderful the GCF sponsored ovarian
cancer course was. The presentations
were informative and hope-inspiring. All
the physicians and health care providers
involved in the course should know how
much their efforts are appreciated. It
made my day to learn about new
approaches and advances. ”
~Cheryl J. Marshall
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
Allied Support Group
Delivers on Strategic
Initiatives
ment to help the public understand
gynecologic cancers, including:
– A grant from the Elizabeth
Gillespie Fund to create an
Endometrial Cancer slide presentation kit, which will be used to
supplement existing Ovarian
Cancer and Cervical Cancer
Educational Kits to create a
general Gynecologic Cancer
Educational Kit Library. Slides
are under development for use by
medical professionals and others
to educate women on maintaining their gynecologic health.
– An educational DVD presentation with general information
on gynecologic health will also
be produced and distributed by
Allied Support Group Member
organizations in communities
across the country.
A
t its recent meeting in Atlanta
in September, the GCF Allied
Support Group reported on
its progress on a number of strategic
initiatives, showcasing the power
and strength of the group as it tackles
issues key to gynecologic cancer
education and care.
During the Allied Support Group
meeting, members noted the energy
and mutual respect of participants,
who have made significant progress
in key areas, including public education, resource initiatives, underserved
populations and clinical trials.
Reports from the group included
highlights such as:
‰ Allied Support Group Section on
‰
‰
‰
the GCF Web site (www.thegcf.org):
A grant from Ciphergen Diagnostics
was secured to fund the creation of
a centralized listing of all Allied
Support Group member organizations, their missions and programs.
Telephone Education Workshops:
As part of the public education
initiative two telephone education
workshops were held in 2005 with
the hope for a series of at least four
in 2006. Further information about
these workshops can be found on
page seven of this Bulletin.
State-Specific Versions of Maintain
Your Gynecologic Health Brochure:
To maximize reach in communities
across the country, GCF’s Maintain
Your Gynecologic Health brochure
will be redesigned to include statespecific resource information.
Designed to educate women about
how reproductive cancers are diagnosed and treated and the symptoms associated with the diseases,
the brochure encourages women to
log onto the WCN Web site
(www.wcn.org) to assess their risk
for gynecologic cancer through an
interactive risk assessment tool.
Multi-media Presentations Help
Educate Audiences: A number of
education tools are under develop-
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
“The Allied Support Group has been
instrumental in further enhancing
our reach into communities
affected by gynecologic cancers.
Each meeting is marked by
sustained progress towards our
goals. Future gatherings and work
will bring only more results for the
gynecologic cancer community.”
‰
Creation of a Web-based Allied
Support Group Resource Library:
In an effort to maximize the organizational potential of the Allied
Support Group, a Web-based
library will be designed to provide
a centralized resource that categorizes all of the resources, functions, and expertise of the group.
This project will establish an
important link among the array of
organizations dedicated to gynecologic cancer issues by empowering
members to easily access information about topics such as a group’s
mission, structure, patient services,
personnel, special projects and
expertise. Once functional, this
database will serve as a tool to
enhance resource information, partnership, and collaboration, as well
as a way to streamline referrals and
minimize duplication of efforts.
5
‰
‰
Improving Cancer Education,
Access and Quality of Care for
Underserved Populations:
Working with GCF, the Allied
Support Group will also strengthen its efforts to reach and educate
underserved populations through
two new brochures and a course.
The brochures will be targeted to
African-American and Hispanic
women.
The Outreach to Hispanic Women
course will be held in 2006.
Enhancement of Clinical Trials
section of the Women’s Cancer
Network Web site: Finally, as
noted on page eight, a donation
from the GOG has been earmarked
to enhance the Clinical Trials section of the Women’s Cancer
Network Web site (www.wcn.org).
Scheduled enhancements include
providing additional user friendly
content, communicating the importance of enrollment in clinical trials
and enhanced navigation tools on
the site.
Also at the meeting, the Allied
Support group welcomed a new
member, “In My Sister’s Care,” led
by Mary Jackson Scroggins. “In My
Sister’s Care” is valuable addition to
the Allied Support Group given the
purpose of the organization and its
mission,” said Dr. Ronald Alvarez,
GCF Advocacy Chair.
Dr. Alvarez also noted that “The
Allied Support Group has been instrumental in further enhancing our reach
into communities affected by gynecologic cancers. Each meeting is marked
by sustained progress towards our
goals. Future gatherings and work
will bring only more results for the
gynecologic cancer community.” n
GCF’s Contact Information
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
230 W. Monroe, Suite 2528
Chicago, IL 60606
PHONE: 312.578.1439
FAX: 312.578.9769
WCN WEB SITE: www.wcn.org
GCF WEB SITE: www.thegcf.org
EMAIL: [email protected]
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
PUBLIC EDUCATION
TAKE the
PLEDGE
New Program Creates Foundation Ambassadors
G
CF’s public and media outreach efforts will soon be even sharper
thanks to the efforts and support of Dr. Rodrigue Mortel, a past
president of SGO and GCF’s first Chairman, who has established
the “GCF Ambassadors Program.”
As part of a comprehensive media, development and community relations
training program, the Ambassadors Program will help train approximately
12 SGO/GCF members about media communications techniques, philanthropic development skills and community relationship building tools. The program will continue for at least five years.
“Dr. Mortel’s vision and support for this program have been amazing and the
Foundation thanks him for his commitment and generosity,” said Karl C.
Podratz, MD, PhD, GCF Chairman. “The Ambassadors Program will help
GCF achieve even more through grassroots and media engagement.”
Under the program, following their training SGO/GCF members will be called
upon to participate in media interviews and assist the Foundation in garnering
media coverage. Additionally, Ambassadors will work to make their communities aware of GCF programs, and provide education and information about
gynecologic cancers.
GCF will provide more information to members about the Ambassadors program in the near future. n
GCF Continues Media Outreach
S
GO/GCF members and advocates were active during GCAM raising
awareness through numerous media outlets and publications. A sample
of some of the highlights include:
‰ In early September, Dr. Beth Karlan was interviewed twice on Good Morning
‰
‰
America regarding gynecologic cancer issues, including a study regarding
ovarian cancer symptoms and Johanna’s Law. Dr. Karlan also participated in
an interview for a new health Web site that will be launched later this year.
Dr. Bobbie Gostout participated in a live radio interview for The Group
Room, a weekly syndicated cancer talk show, regarding Gynecologic
Cancer Awareness Month.
Additionally, Dr. Carolyn Muller and Dr. Ronald Alvarez both participated
in interviews for Real Life. Dr. Muller provided details about cervical cancer while Dr. Alvarez spoke in depth about ovarian cancer. n
prevent cervical cancer
Cervical Cancer
Campaign Looks Ahead
A
s it enters its third year of leadership
on the National Cervical Cancer
Public Education Campaign, GCF
is focusing on partner outreach and
engagement, and is actively working to
pilot a Hispanic version of the Campaign
by January.
Recently, GCF’s Director of Communications, Marsha Wilson, has met with partner
organizations one-on-one to discuss their
needs for information and materials, as well
as individual action plans for Campaign
efforts. These meetings are part of GCF’s
overall strategy to lengthen the activity
cycle of Campaign activities. In the past,
the Campaign’s main public education
efforts were focused in January, Cervical
Cancer Screening Month. Moving forward,
GCF will lead Campaign efforts throughout
the year to increase public awareness and
information about cervical cancer.
GCF will also continue to make great
strides through its “Take the Pledge” initiative, which offers women a way to pledge
their support to preventing cervical cancer
and receive an annual exam reminder.
“Take the Pledge” will also continue yearround, and includes a focus on Hispanic
women and other underserved populations.
GCF would once again like to acknowledge
Cytyc Corporation for their generous
unrestricted support of this campaign.
For more information, please go to
www.cervicalcancercampaign.org. n
GOG to Make WCN Enhancement Happen
T
he Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) recently donated $10,000
to update the clinical trials section of the Women’s Cancer Network.
The enhancements will include information about the current Phase
III clinical trials sponsored by the GOG, and will help encourage women to learn
more about the trials and possibly participate. GCF thanks Dr. Carolyn Muller for
her assistance on this project and her ongoing work on the WCN site.
“This new collaboration between GCF and GOG will result in increased awareness
of clinical trials available through the GOG,” said Dr. Larry Copeland, Gynecologic
Oncology Group Vice Chairman, and President-Elect, Society of Gynecologic
Oncologists. “This will lead to greater participation in these trials and increased
knowledge about how to best treat gynecologic cancers.” n
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
6
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
Cancer Information Is a Free
Phone Call Away
F
ollowing the success of its first free Telephone
Education Workshop in July on Phase III clinical trials
for recurrent ovarian cancer, GCF is preparing to host
another Telephone Education Workshop on December 16,
2005.
Posters — Portsmouth
Naval Hospitals
T
he Women’s Cancer Network
(WCN), www.wcn.org, continues to grow in its reach as a
definitive resource for individuals and
groups looking for the latest information on gynecologic cancers. In
Portsmouth, Virginia, the Portsmouth
Naval Hospital utilized information
available through the WCN to design
and release a new set of posters on
gynecologic cancer. The posters
included specialized information on
cervical, endometrial and ovarian
cancers. n
The second workshop will focus on understanding CA-125
levels, and will provide the latest information from leading
experts, including Drs. Thomas Herzog and Robert Coleman,
on the subject. The second workshop is being developed in
direct response to interest from GCF’s Allied Support Group
and other supporters, who sought more information about
CA-125 levels in order to help women make informed decisions about appropriate management and treatment following ovarian cancer
diagnosis. This workshop is being sponsored by Tibotec Therapeutics.
The initial workshop on clinical trials included more than 200 people and can
still be heard via phone until January 26, 2006. To access the recording, please
dial 1.800.642.1687 and use the conference identification number 7288073 if in
the U.S. or Canada. Outside the U.S., please dial 706.645.9291 and use the
conference identification number 7288073.
Both of these programs are the direct result of the GCF Allied Support Group
initiatives’ plan.
GCF thanks Dr. Ronald Alvarez, Dr. Robert Coleman and Dr. Edward Trimble
for presenting during the first Telephone Education Workshop. GCF is grateful
to Telik, Inc. for its unrestricted educational grant in support of the first
Telephone Education Workshop in July. n
Former First Lady
Praises GCF
G
CF recently received praise and
support from former first lady
Barbara Bush, who is known
for her compassion and commitment to
causes, including cancer prevention and
research.
Following conversations with Dr.
Hector Tarraza about GCF and its
work, Mrs. Bush was inspired to write
a letter of thanks and encouragement
to GCF to mark Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. In her
personal correspondence, Mrs. Bush wrote: “We applaud your
efforts in the fight against this disease and look forward to the
day when we no longer lose our loved ones, friends and
employees to this deadly disease.”
Dr. Tarraza noted that Mrs. Bush was honored and delighted to
write to GCF. “My goal is to seek support from all first ladies
given their dedication to humanitarian concerns and desire to
make a difference,” said Dr. Tarraza. n
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
7
1.800.444.4441 • www.wcn.org
GCAM WRAP-UP
In conjunction
with the poll
results, GCF
also released its
third annual
report “The
State of the
State of
Gynecologic
Cancers:
An Annual
Report to the
Women of
America.”
The report, which is provided to
all members and supporters, as well as
to the media, provides in-depth detail
on the latest medical and scientific
findings, incidence numbers, risk factors and symptoms, as well as other
information about gynecologic cancers. This year, GCF also added a section on hereditary cancers based upon
interest from women and supporters.
Dr. Bobbie Gostout, GCF Communications Chair, served as the medical
editor for the report for the third
year, and GCF again thanks her for
her dedication and energy to this project. GCF also thanks the following
contributors: Andrew Berchuck,
Four Things You Can Do!
Get to know your family history
Conduct an online cancer risk
assessment at www.wcn.org
Ask questions; educate yourself about
gynecologic cancers
Make an appointment for your annual
gynecologic exam and screening tests
“Thank you for distributing the Annual State of the State Report. The report
is well done and provides important information about the risks of gynecologic
cancers. We look forward to distributing it at our public events.”
~Kay Wissmann, Government Relations Manager
Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
MD; David M. Gershenson, MD;
Robert L. Giuntoli, II, MD; Benjamin
E. Greer, MD; William J. Hoskins,
MD; Patricia L. Judson, MD; and
Johnathan M. Lancaster, MD.
Beyond these educational efforts,
GCAM was also commemorated
by all 50 states for the second year
running through governor proclamations and a letter of support from
the state of Montana, which does
not offer a state proclamation.
Additionally, for the first time, the
U.S. House of Representatives issued
a Congressional Resolution supporting the ideals and goals of GCAM.
Capitol Hill efforts during September
were further reinforced when Dr.
Beth Karlan, SGO President, testified
before the U.S. House Committee on
Government Reform’s Subcommittee
on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and
Human Resources in support of
H.R. 1245, “Johanna’s Law: The
Gynecologic Cancer Education and
Awareness Act of 2005.”
In her testimony, Dr. Karlan stressed
that by passing Johanna’s Law,
Congress could take action to save
women from dying from gynecologic
cancer, noting that, “The lack of public attention to and discussion about
gynecologic cancers is literally killing
women in our country.”
Dr. Karlan was joined at the hearing
by other advocates for the legislation,
including Sheryl Silver, a GCF Public
The GCF Bulletin is the official publication of the Gynecologic Cancer
Foundation (GCF). This not-for-profit charitable foundation was established
by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) to raise funds to support
philanthropic programs to benefit women who have or at risk of developing
a gynecologic cancer. Information about GCF and its programs may be
obtained by contacting GCF Headquarters at 230 West Monroe, Suite 2528,
Chicago, IL 60606.
T: 312.578.1439
F: 312.578.9769
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.thegcf.org
Editor-in-Chief: Richard Barakat, MD
Executive Director: Karen Carlson
Richard Barakat, MD
Continued From Page 1
Service Award Winner, who highlighted the need for a national public education effort to educate women about
gynecologic cancers.
Rounding out national efforts in
support of GCAM, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
highlighted its partnership with
GCF on its Web site during
September, and included a box
spotlighting the “Four Things You
Can Do” for the month. n
Grassroots Efforts Raise
Important Awareness
During GCAM
I
n keeping with the national spirit of
participation and community effort
upon which GCAM was created, a
number of organizations and medical centers around the country organized efforts
to educate local audiences, below are a
few shining examples of these efforts:
‰
‰
‰
North Carolina: Duke
Comprehensive Cancer Center
held a community forum on
gynecologic cancers, and hosted
an ovarian cancer survivor course
and walk in Raleigh;
Illinois: Dr. Yvonne Collins,
University of Illinois-Chicago,
and Dr. Jacob Rotmensch, Rush
University Medical Center, spoke to a
group of Northup Grumman employees about gynecologic cancers; and,
New York: Long Island Gynecologic
Oncologists held their second annual
candle light ceremony to honor all
women that have been, and continue
to be, affected by gynecologic
cancers. Also in New York, New
York University hosted a program
“Ovarian Cancer: What Is Your Risk
and What Can You Do About It?” n
This Bulletin is being funded through an
unrestricted educational grant from Amgen.
GCF Bulletin • Winter 2005
8
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