Former Figure Skater Becomes the Face of Canada's Anti-Ovarian Cancer Effort
Former Olympic figure skating medalist Elizabeth Manley-Theobold is Ovarian Cancer Canada's spokesperson for its fundraising efforts.
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October 2, 2009
Although Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month has just come to an end, efforts to find a cure and educate women - often led by those affected by the disease - are taking place all year round.
Former Olympic figure skating medalist Elizabeth Manley-Theobold is Ovarian Cancer Canada's spokesperson for its fundraising efforts, and just completed the seventh annual Winners Walk of Hope event. Manley-Theobold's mother died of the disease last July.
The former athlete says she recently had her first ultrasound, which she recommends all women have on a regular basis.
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women and ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death. Research also suggests 70 percent of women who do not survive were diagnosed when the disease was already advanced.
In addition to early detection, prevention efforts may reduce a person's risk, and they include birth control pills and surgical procedures such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy. However, these methods are not for everyone and should be carefully considered in consultation with a doctor.
Patients, survivors and their families who look for more information and resources to help them thrive may consult the websites of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, both of which also accept donations.
Although Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month has just come to an end, efforts to find a cure and educate women - often led by those affected by the disease - are taking place all year round.
Former Olympic figure skating medalist Elizabeth Manley-Theobold is Ovarian Cancer Canada's spokesperson for its fundraising efforts, and just completed the seventh annual Winners Walk of Hope event. Manley-Theobold's mother died of the disease last July.
The former athlete says she recently had her first ultrasound, which she recommends all women have on a regular basis.
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer in women and ranks fifth as the cause of cancer death. Research also suggests 70 percent of women who do not survive were diagnosed when the disease was already advanced.
In addition to early detection, prevention efforts may reduce a person's risk, and they include birth control pills and surgical procedures such as tubal ligation or hysterectomy. However, these methods are not for everyone and should be carefully considered in consultation with a doctor.
Patients, survivors and their families who look for more information and resources to help them thrive may consult the websites of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, both of which also accept donations.
