CanSurvive Support Group

an ovarian, endometrial, cervical cancer support and awareness group

Birmingham, Alabama

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Most Common Types of Gynecologic Cancers

• Endometrial/Uterine is the most common GYN cancer. The primary symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding.
  
• Ovarian cancer is the second most common GYN cancer. Since there are no effective screening tests, one must be aware of the earliest symptoms of ovarian cancer.
  
• Cervical cancer has been steadily increasing in incidence with the increased prevalence of pap smear screening. We encourage you to get an annual pap smear.
  

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

• Because the signs and symptoms of GYN cancers may also be associated with other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, it is important that your physician take seriously the possibility that ovarian cancer may be present, especially if you have a family or personal history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, and have never borne children.
  

Links

UAB Supportive Care of Palliative Care
Phone:(205) 975-8190
Web: http://medicine.uab.edu/PalliativeCare

CANCERcare is a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. http://www.cancercare.org

L'Oreal Paris -- Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Hope Line

1--877--OV--HOPE --1 This is a Hope line to provide immediate assistance to anyone facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Callers will speak with a professional social worker, who can help address the psychological and practical concerns about their diagnosis.

Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation http://www.nlovca.org

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Car Tags & Remembering Brittany Waldrep http://www.brittanywaldrep.com/

Huntsville Support Group -- http://www.liliesofthevalley.org/

UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology -- http://www.health.uab.edu/default.aspx?pid=101298

Ovarian Cancer -- http://www.health.uab.edu/default.aspx?pid=101312

Ovarian Cancer National Alliance -- http://www.ovariancancer.org

American Cancer Society -- http://www.cancer.org

Jennifer Cherry with the Hope Lodge (930--8873) and Hilary Palmer with our local American Cancer Society (ACS). They told us about the main purpose of the ACS and the services they offer.

Some services include:

• free lodging at the Lee Griffin Hope Lodge for patients who are receiving treatment in Birmingham, but live more than 40 miles away. Free transportation to & from appointments for these patients is also provided.
• a toll--free information number (1--800--227--2345) which is available 24/7 and is answered by one of their cancer information specialists.
• an ACS navigator at UAB that helps patients navigate the medical center.
• support groups.
• Reach for Recovery program for breast cancer patients.
• a comprehensive list of resources for patients.
• literature about various cancers.
• Look Good...Feel Better program.

You can find out more by going to the ACS website http://www.cancer.org

One of the most important things to be gleaned from their presentation is there is help if you have a need during your treatment. You can contact the ACS directly (205--879--2242) or go through the social worker, Michael K. Schepps, at the UAB GYN Oncology office to start a referral.

Conversations Newsletter -- http://www.ovarian--news.org

Gilda Radners Club -- http://www.gildasclub.org

National Cancer Institute -- http://www.cancer.gov/

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists -- http://www.sgo.org