Until there's a test, AWARENESS is best!

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada celebrates its 10th Anniversary thanks to the support of ovarian cancer survivors, family, friends, and co-workers, all of whom are interested in helping to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. By supporting one another and other cancer organizations, OCAN strives to make a difference in our community.

Welcome to the OCAN website!  We are so glad you found us and hope you find what you're looking for as you read on.  Please use the links on the right to navigate through...you can click to read the latest news regarding cancer, to read about testing for ovarian cancer, to find out what's on our recommended reading list or what resources are available, or to join our mailing list.

The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada is a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 2000 to help women and their families and to advocate for early detection.

After her diagnosis of Stage IIIc Ovarian Cancer, Crispin Morrison founded OCAN to help raise awareness and educate women and medical professionals about the symptoms of  the ‘Whispering Killer’.  Over 22,000 women are diagnosed each year.  Ovarian Cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the U.S with over 15,000 dying from it each year. 

By helping women become aware of ovarian cancer symptoms, it is our hope that we will be able to make a difference and help them receive early diagnosis before it affects another life. With your support we can provide awareness, education, and assistance for women for this very deadly and costly cancer. 

Attend a PGA golf tournament for just $15!

Justin Timberlake 
Shriners Hospital PGA Fundraiser

Facts about Ovarian Cancer 

Ovarian cancer occurs in approximately one out of 71 women - regardless of age.  If diagnosed and treated early, the 5-year survival rate is over 90%.  Unfortunately, due to ovarian cancer's non-specific symptoms and lack of early detection tests, only 19% of cases are detected at this early stage.  If caught in stage III or higher, survivial rate can be as low as 29%.

(source, American Cancer Society)

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that often begins in the cells that make up the ovaries and is a disease produced by rapid growth and division of cells.

Ovarian cancer has been called the Silent Killer and "The Disease that Whispers" becasue the symptoms can be non-specific and easity attributed to other illnesses.  

It is the deadliest gynecological cancer.    Read more.

To read Sandi's information-sharing blog, click here.  Sandi, an OCAN Board Member and ovarian cancer survivor serves as an advocate around the world and is truly well informed! 

Crispin Morrison,
Founder

7/6/1961 ~ 5/23/2003

Read more about the inspiring woman who started OCAN.

OCAN's Angels
OCAN honors the lives of women who have left us. View the page dedicated to them.  (Upated 10/09)

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Most women with ovarian cancer experience symptoms. They vary for each person and can seem like those of less life-threatening conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or bladder disorders.

Listen to your body and insist that your doctor takes your symptoms seriously. 

Recent studies show that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in general:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly

Women experiencing these symptoms for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist.

Other symptoms commonly reported include

• Ongoing fatigue or back pain
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Pain with or during intercourse
• Menstrual irregularities
• Nausea, indigestion or gas

Read more about the symptoms...

Click here for a list of some local and national resources.  Click here to download the Symptom Diary provided by OCNA.

And remember, the medical specialist most qualified to treat ovarian cancer is a gynecologic oncologist.

A Pap Smear Does NOT Detect or Diagnose Ovarian Cancer!

  Call or e-mail if you'd like information on receiving one of these gorgeous awareness ribbon bracelets.

Goodsearch, a Yahoo-powered search engine, donates 1/2 its advertising revenue (about 1c per search), to charities that its users designate.
Use it as you would any search engine, get great search results, & support ovarian cancer awareness!
Click on the button above and be sure to enter OCAN as the charity you want to support.  And, please spread the word!

Wewould be happy for you to be involved with OCAN.  Please click here for more information

A HUGE THANK YOU to
Franklin Document Services. 
They are a local, full service printing firm
who donated services to OCAN.  Due to their kind contribution, we can now reach 5000 more women with flyers providing symptom and risk factor information.  THANKS FRANKLIN DOCS for furthering our awareness efforts!

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