Archived Medical & OCAN News Articles

Continuning OCAN's desire to keep you informed, below you will find links to past articles that have appeared in print, or links to news articles that you may read at the various web sites. The articles below provide a "News History" of the advancements. The links are from newspapers and publications from sources throughout both the U.S. and world wide, and are available with on-line editions. Each listing has a short opening paragraph of the article. The listing of the links are by date published, with the most recent found listed first.
For other archived articles, please see: Ovarian Cancer Archived News


May 2005

May 26, 2005 - "The Courier Mail News", Queensland, AUST.
Have kids later and often to cut cancer risk
STARTING a family later in life increases the risk of breast cancer and melanoma but reduces the risk of ovarian, cervix and uterine cancer, according to an international study conducted by researchers from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research. The same research also found that having twins and having more children in general, preferably three, also reduced significantly the risk of many types of women's cancer. The purpose of the study, which involved more than one million Swedish women, was to determine the effect of hormonal factors on a number of different cancers, including cervical, colorectal, melanoma and thyroid cancers. The women in the study all had babies between 1961 and 1996 and were recruited from the Swedish civil birth register. The cases of cancer were identified through the Swedish cancer registry.

May 25, 2005 - "WIS TV- CH 10", Columbia, SC
Health Alert: Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer has a shockingly high recurrence rate. Nearly 24,000 women in this country are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. The first mission is to get rid of that cancer with surgery and chemotherapy, but once that happens, women face new fears. Now researchers are hopeful about a new weapon in the fight against the cancer comeback. Susan Karnowski faced ovarian cancer and thought she had it beat, but it wasn't long before she realized her battle was far from over. "There was still something going on inside my body which led them to believe the cancer would return," she explained.

May 24, 2005 - "KOCO TV - CH 5", Oklahoma City, OK
DNA Test Could Provide Early Warning Of Disease Risk
Statistics suggest that more than 18,000 Oklahomans will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2005 -- but what if a simple at-home test could tell you whether you're at high risk well before you develop the deadly disease? These DNA swabs are used in a test to determine someone's likelihood of developing certain diseases. An Internet-based company claims that knowing about your genes could help you stay healthy, and its researchers have developed a way to test your genetic makeup from the privacy of your own home. The company, dnadirect.com, provides a personal genetic testing kit to clients, then tests their results before offering a risk profile.
Related Article: Health Journal: New kits let you test your own genes

May 23, 2005 - "Norwich Bulletin ", Norwich, NY
Rider to spread cancer alarm

BROOKLYN-- Don Dauphinais is no stranger to riding his bicycle. But beginning June 4, the 34-year-old and his bicycle will take off for a 3,500-mile journey across the country to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Nevada. On May 23, 2003, the founder of OCAN and Dauphinais' friend, Crispin Morrison, died of ovarian cancer. Now Dauphinais wants to keep his friend's memory alive and continue her efforts to raise awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer, which is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers. Also See: Ride for OCAN - San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA

May 22, 2005 - "Newsday", New York City, NY
Early detection is important for disease with few symptoms
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common in women, and ranks fourth as the cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates 22,220 new cases will be diagnosed this year; about 16,210 will die of the disease. Causes are not known but a major risk factor is age. Most cases of ovarian cancer develop after menopause; half of them are found in women over 63. Other risk factors include obesity; prolonged use of fertility drugs; use of hormone-replacement therapy; family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer; or use of talcum powder on the genital area. Women who began menstruating before age 12, had no children or had their first child after age 30, and/or went through menopause after age 50 also may have an increased risk. Symptoms often don't show until late in its development and they can be caused by less serious conditions. They include:.........

May 22, 2005 - "Newsday", New York City, NY
One woman's double miracle
Few Women Julie Atteritano's age get ovarian cancer; even fewer have children later - It was on her honeymoon in 2002 that Julie Atteritano first began having pain and bloating in her stomach. Within four months, the then-26-year-old newlywed was faced with ovarian cancer and the possibility of never bearing children. But last week, she gave birth to twins, 3-pound, 8-ounce Makayla and 5-pound, 2-ounce Christian. Ovarian cancer, which is often lethal, is uncommon in young women; giving birth after it is even more so. Atteritano attributes her survival and children to listening to her inner voice and finding the right physician, Dr. Paul C. Liu, chief of gynecologic oncology at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside.
Related Article: L.I. WONDER TWINS

May 22, 2005 - "Newsday, Inc.", Melville, NY
Early detection is important for disease with few symptoms
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common in women, and ranks fourth as the cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates 22,220 new cases will be diagnosed this year; about 16,210 will die of the disease. Causes are not known but a major risk factor is age. Most cases of ovarian cancer develop after menopause; half of them are found in women over 63. Other risk factors include obesity; prolonged use of fertility drugs; use of hormone-replacement therapy; family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer; or use of talcum powder on the genital area. Women who began menstruating before age 12, had no children or had their first child after age 30, and/or went through menopause after age 50 also may have an increased risk. Symptoms often don't show until late in its development and they can be caused by less serious conditions.

May 20, 2005 - "WOODTV - CH 8", Grand Rapids, MI
Breast MRI combined with mammography is highly accurate in detecting tumors
There is good news for women at high-risk for breast cancer. Researchers say using breast MRI along with mammography is highly accurate in detecting tumors. Not only does this mean cancers can be picked up more reliably, but also, women who might choose to get a preventative mastectomy or get their ovaries removed now have the option to watch and wait with confidence. At age 53, Susan Davis is, or at least, has been in an uneasy situation.

May 20, 2005 - "The Business Journal", Phoenix, AZ
Biomarker to develop cancer-screening tool
A Phoenix biotech company that helps take research technology to market signed a deal to develop a women's screening tool that would detect at an early stage everything from ovarian to liver cancer. Biomarker Technologies acquired the technology from researchers at Louisiana State University -- who had run out of grant money -- and created a new company for its development. Called RCP Diagnostics, the new business is scheduled to begin a pilot study within four to six months for a simple blood test designed to detect if a woman has cervical, ovarian, uterine, liver or any estrogen-related cancer.

May 18, 2005 - "KYW - CH 3 TV", Philadelphia , PA
Race Against Ovarian Cancer
Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl reports on an emotional race against time. A Montgomery County woman is battling the silent killer called ovarian cancer. Throughout her battle, she is also setting the stage to save other women in the future. Doing a puzzle with the family is now a cherished moment. When time is running out every moment together counts “I don't know how long I have left,” said Kristen Varley, an ovarian cancer patient.

May 18, 2005 - "Channel 7", Denver, CO
New Drug May Take Place Of Chemotherapy For Ovarian Cancer
DENVER -- A new alternative to chemotherapy for women with ovarian cancer is being tested in Colorado at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. 7NEWS Anchor Bertha Lynn reported Wednesday that the new medication is looking very promising. Sharon White was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago. "They found cancer on both ovaries," she told Lynn.

May 17, 2005 - "Net India 123", India
Moderate exercise reduces ovarian cancer risk
A new study has found that regular moderate recreational and work-related physical activity, but not vigorous, may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. The study was published online May 16, 2005 in the International Journal of Cancer, the official journal of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC).

Related Articles:
Physical activity may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
Exercise: Staying Active May Reduce Risk
Protection From Ovarian Cancer No Sweat

May 16, 2005 - "StaffNurse.com",
Walking cuts female cancer risk
Women who keep active and walk a lot may help reduce their risk of developing ovarian cancer, according to a new study. Getting super-fit however fails to stave off the risk, according to the research. A Canadian study of more than 400 women with ovarian cancer linked reduced risk to high levels of moderate exercise - and also to having active jobs. The research showed that exercise was only linked to some kinds of ovarian tumour.

May 16, 2005 - "St. Petersburg Times", St. Petersburg, FL
Ovarian cancer deserves more research, treatment
Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is effective and years of disease control is quite possible. Long-term outcomes, however, vary inversely with the stage at diagnosis. For patients with stage III and IV disease, prolonged control is possible, but cure is rare. Several active chemotherapeutic agents are available, but biological response modifiers and other targeted therapies are prominently lacking.

May 15, 2005 - "Yahoo Biz News",
Data From Omnitarg Clinical Program
ORLANDO, Fla., May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genentech, Inc. today presented results from Phase II studies evaluating Omnitarg(TM) (pertuzumab), an investigational targeted therapy known as a Human Epidermal Receptor (HER) dimerization inhibitor. The studies showed Omnitarg had limited activity as a single agent in ovarian, breast and prostate cancers. The studies were presented at the 41st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). "The results of these early studies of Omnitarg, studied as a single agent, did not meet our expectations," said Hal Barron, M.D., Genentech's senior vice president, development, and chief medical officer. "However, the results of the study in ovarian cancer indicate that further study of Omnitarg in this setting is warranted.

May 10, 2005 - "WHP TV", Harrisburg, PA
Ovarian Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 16,000 women in the United States will die of ovarian cancer this year. Most patients don't survive because when doctors catch the disease, it's usually too late. But that may be changing. A new test is being developed that can provide early detection.

May 15, 2005 - "Salt Lake Tribune", Salt Lake City, UT
Ovarian cancer can't hold back pianist from lifelong dream
Pushing thoughts of her cancer aside, and carrying a photo of renowned pianist Van Cliburn in her pocket for luck, Sheila Bernstein lived out a dream Friday night. Clad in a flowing blue dress, the pianist soared through a performance of Tchaikovsky's difficult Piano Concerto No.1, accompanied by the Symphony of the Canyons in Kanab. Afterward, she admitted that the night had been everything she had dreamed of. "It was quite thrilling. I'm grateful to almighty God for granting me this day," she said. The performance came after four months of grueling practice (eight to 10 hours a day), interrupted every three weeks by chemotherapy and its devastating aftereffects.

May 11, 2005 - "LV Review Journal", Las Vegas, NV
NEVADA INSTITUTE: Pair put cancer to test
Doing research together 16 years ago led to their marriage. Today, their research together, some done in a leased University of Nevada, Las Vegas lab, has led to the hope that ovarian cancer can be detected in its earliest stages -- while it is still treatable.

May 10, 2005 - "LV Review Journal", Las Vegas, NV
Ovarian cancer test offers promise
Nevada husband and wife on team that created screening - In what is considered a major breakthrough in cancer research, two Nevada Cancer Institute researchers have helped create a test they believe will lead to development of a precise tool to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages. A study, "Serum Protein Markers for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer," which led to development of the test, was reported Monday in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Husband-and-wife researchers David C. Ward and Patricia Bray-Ward, with colleagues from Yale University and George Washington University, identified that the proteins leptin, prolactin, osteopontin, and insulin-like growth factor-II can make possible the early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer in women before physical symptoms are present.
Also see: Blood Test Could Help Doctors Catch Ovarian Cancer Early
And New test predicts ovarian cancer

May 10, 2005 - "Reuters", NYC, NY
Blood test accurately detects early ovarian cancer
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - US researchers may have come up with a test that reliably detects ovarian cancer in its early stages, when it is more easily curable. Ovarian cancer is a 'silent' disease early on, and is often not diagnosed until it is advanced and difficult to remedy. The newly reported test measures levels of four protein markers in blood -- leptin, prolactin, osteopontin, and insulin-like growth factor-II -- according to a report in the Early Edition of the research journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

May 10, 2005 - "Cancer Consultants", Memphis,TN
Removal of Lymph Nodes Improves Progression-Free Survival but Not Overall Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
According to results recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the removal of lymph nodes of the abdomen (aortic) and pelvis improves progression-free survival, but not overall survival at 5 years in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

May 10, 2005 - "The Guardian", UK
Ovarian cancer test gives hope of early diagnosis
A new blood test could help to diagnose cases of ovarian cancer before major symptoms develop, according to research published today. The test has the potential to save lives by allowing identification of the disease at a stage when it can be effectively treated. But with an accuracy of 95% it is not yet precise enough to be used in national screening programmes.

May 09, 2005 - " Science Daily",
New test developed to spot ovarian cancer
Connecticut researchers say a new blood screening test could help identify ovarian cancer in its early stages when few symptoms are present. A team from the Yale School of Medicine, in a study summarized in Tuesday's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, developed and tested a new blood test for ovarian cancer based on four proteins: leptin, prolactin, osteopontin and insulin-like growth factor-II.

May 09, 2005 - "Forbes.com - Health", New York, N.Y
Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer Shows Promise
Yale researchers have developed a blood test they hope will be able to detect ovarian cancer while it is still in its early stages. In preliminary experiments, the test -- for four different proteins -- distinguished between healthy women and women with ovarian cancer with 95 percent effectiveness. Experts cautioned, however, against too much optimism. But it could be a hopeful note.

May 09, 2005 - "MSNBC", NYC, NY
Blood test for ovarian cancer shows promise
Test boosts early detection rate to 95 percent, study finds - This year 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States and 16,000 will die of it, according to the American Cancer Society.  That is one of the highest death rates for any cancer and the primary reason is that there is no effective method for early detection. A new study published Monday reports an important step toward a blood test to detect ovarian cancer at its earliest stages -- while it is still easily treatable.

May 09, 2005 - "PhillyBurbs - Courier Times", PA
Events to help fund fight against cancer
It's not everyday you can help fight cancer simply by opting to "Dine Out." But that is exactly what patrons can do Wednesday night at nine local restaurants donating portions of their earnings to The Relay for Life of Eastern Montgomery County. Hatboro-Horsham High School teacher Terrie Pancio, a cancer survivor and past relay volunteer, went the extra mile this year to organize the new fund-raising event involving the eateries.

May 08, 2005 - "Duluth News Tribune ", Duluth, MN
A mother's love, found just in time
Mementos of the woman who raised Dawn Marie Hamilton spilled out of a purple folder onto Dawn's couch. There are photos of Dawn's dad and stepmom, Tom and Gail Hamilton, celebrating anniversaries. Photos from Dawn's childhood, with Gail and other family members smiling brightly for the camera. And more recent photos of a pale, sick Gail in a wheelchair, cradling Dawn's youngest son, just 1 month old, for the first time. Tucked amid the photos is a large decal Dawn had made with the words "Mom, I miss you." She has one just like it on her car.

May 08, 2005 -"The Daily Commercial", Leesburg, FL
Despite removal of tumor, much remains unresolved and confusing
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final installment in a series of stories on Staff Writer Michelle Start’s experiences with the removal of a large ovarian tumor.
Lying on the gurney, being wheeled into recovery at Florida Hospital Orlando, I listened to the cancer doctor talk about how he removed a 30-centimeter tumor, several lymph nodes and how preliminary indications pointed toward a “low malignancy potential tumor,” also known as borderline epithelial ovarian cancer. Most of the words did not register and I remained in denial, still convinced that the surgery only placed my future as a mother at risk and not my entire life. I worried that I would need to undergo a complete hysterectomy if the tumor had spread to both of my ovaries and into my uterus.

May 05, 2005 - "The Capital", Annapolis, Md.
Family helps mom fight ovarian cancer
Maureen Prout and her daughter, Beth Lennon, are best friends. They do everything together, from shopping to vacations. So it was only natural that when Mrs. Prout, 62, of Friendship, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 3* years ago, Mrs. Lennon joined in the fight against the disease too. The cancer diagnosis was frightening, they said, but the battle has made them even closer.

May 03, 2005 - "The Daily Commercial", Leesburg, FL
Illness brings reminders of important things in life
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a series of stories on Staff Writer Michelle Start’s experiences with the removal of a large ovarian tumor. This story was written before her surgery last week. The conclusion of the series will appear in Sunday’s edition.
It took a while for the information to settle in and for me to accept the news that a 28-centimeter tumor had been growing inside me for more than a year. I’ve gone through the stages of grief. Twice. I don’t know what the future will hold or whether my tumor is malignant. I don’t know if I will have to undergo a complete hysterectomy or lose only one ovary. As I write this, so many details are still up in the air. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in denial, pleading with God and believing there must be some type of mistake because at 32, I am just too young.

May 01, 2005 - "News-Medical.Net ",
Blocking the COX-1 enzyme might prevent and treat the most common and fatal form of ovarian cancer
Blocking the COX-1 enzyme - not COX-2 - might lead to a way to prevent and treat the most common and fatal form of ovarian cancer, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center reported this week. The finding, that COX-1 inhibition slowed the growth of epithelial ovarian tumors in a mouse model of the disease, is surprising, said Sudhansu K. Dey, Ph.D., senior author of the paper and director of the Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology in the Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics.

May 01, 2005 - "The Daily Commercial", Leesburg, FL
Diagnosis of ovarian tumor brought reporter’s plans to a screeching halt
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michelle’s surgery last Wednesday was successful. According to her fiance, Keith, the entire tumor was removed and, most importantly, it was benign. She will be writing about the experience soon. Today’s story and next Wednesday’s story were written before her surgery..
Sixteen days ago, my life ground to a halt and my plans were put on hold when doctors discovered a growth on my right ovary. In disbelief, I agreed to go to a cancer specialist, praying that the original diagnosis was wrong. With a list of questions tightly clutched in hand, I went for my second opinion, convinced somehow that this was not happening. I do not have a tumor. The doctors are wrong. Everything is going to be fine. My long-term boyfriend, Keith, went along in case my worst fears were confirmed. He did not want me to be alone. Quietly sitting in the car on the way there, I told myself I am invincible because I am young, in love and have a wonderful life planned.

May 01, 2005 - "Info Zone",
New Drug May be Used to Treat Women with Ovarian Cancer
A new drug, RAD001, has been shown to stop the growth and movement of certain ovarian cancer cells, according to scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Anaheim, Calif. - infoZine - The research was presented yesterday at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Anaheim, Calif. A large percentage of human cancers have high activity levels of an enzyme known as AKT. This enzyme controls a number of cell functions, including cell size, division and response to chemotherapy. "The AKT signaling pathway is overly active in a wide variety of different cancers, including ovarian carcinoma, so we and others think that this pathway is an attractive target for cancer treatment at the molecular level," said Joseph Testa, Ph.D., director of the Human Genetics Program at Fox Chase. "However, because the AKT pathway is involved in so many cell processes, many of them beneficial, we were looking to control some of the proteins downstream from AKT so we didn't inhibit the good processes."