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<h1>CanSurvive Support Group</h1>
<h4>an ovarian, endometrial, cervical cancer support and awareness group</h4>
<h2 class="city">Birmingham, Alabama</h2>


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<div id='cancerimage'>
    
       <h2 align="center">Most Common Types of Gynecologic Cancers</h2>

          <ul>
          
                    <li><strong>Endometrial/Uterine</strong> is the most
                                common GYN cancer.  The primary symptom of 
                                endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding.
                                <br />
                    </li>
                    
                    <li><strong>Ovarian cancer</strong> 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.
                                <br />
          
                    </li>
                    
                    
                    <li><strong>Cervical cancer</strong> has been steadily
                                increasing in incidence with the increased
                                prevalence of pap smear screening.  We
                                encourage you to get an annual pap smear.
                                <br />
          
                    </li>
         
          </ul>


          <h2 align="center">Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer</h2>

          <ul>
          
                    <li>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.
                    <br />
                    </li>
          
          
          
          
          </ul>


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<h1 align=center>Politics</h1>

<h2 align='center'>OVARIAN CANCER NATIONAL ALLIANCE NATIONAL CONFERENCE JULY 2008</h2>

<p><img src='images/OCNA2008/group1.jpg' /></p>

<p>
Joy, Donna, Kathy, and Patricia attendend the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance meeting in Washington, D.C. They heard about current treatments, which Donna said our clinic already does.  They also heard a lecture from the researcher who came up with the CA125 test.  They spoke with the aides of some of our congressmen; Kathy said this was a very emotional experience.  Congressman Aderholt spoke with them and posed with them for a picture. 
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<p><img src='images/OCNA2008/group2.jpg' /></p>

<p>
Our trip to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference in Washington was a wonderful and informative experience. Each of the speakers was well chosen and very knowledgeable in his/her field. Although here in Birmingham we have doctors tirelessly working to find an annual test and a cure, it is enlightening to know that so many others are also working and together we will win.
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<p>
It was inspiring to see so many ladies who have experienced ovarian cancer and to hear their stories. It is sad to know that many have lost the battle. My hope isÊthat our trip to Capital Hill will bear fruit and through obtaining finances for both awareness and research that there will be more survivors attending future OCNA Conferences and that early detection and a cure for Ovarian Cancer will become a reality.

<br />
--Joy

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<p><img src='images/OCNA2008/group3.jpg' /> </p>

<p>
We had a great time and learned many new things!  Capitol Hill day was amazing.  The four of us had a personal tour of the Capitol building and even got to go into the gallery of the Senate.  Donna and I also met Congressman Robert Aderholt and had our picture made with him.  Thank you for the opportunity! 

<br /> 
--Kathy
</p>

<h2 align='center'>HHS Appropriations Bill</h2>
<p>
The HHS Appropriations bill will likely be folded into a larger Omnibus Appropriations bill in the fall. We should know more in mid September. I am not certain where we are on the other requests but the staff of the officials you write should keep you posted if you request them to do so. Remember, all of this is about money and politics and it takes a lot of both to get the funds we need. Read the OCNA website and get your voice heard.
</p>

<p>
The most meaningful part of the Alliance meeting was having the pleasure of meeting about 100 joyful, friendly, exciting, and profoundly spiritual ovarian cancer survivors. While some of the women were short term survivors like me, most had been keeping their cancer under control for many years. These were the first long time survivors I had met. Just being with them and hearing their stories gave me so much hope. There is a sisterhood among these courageous women who have been getting together for 10 years and they are using their experience to share their strength with others. Many have started support groups, several have written books and articles about their journey, and some have been on the front lines in clinical trials. Wow, what a group!
</p>

<p>
I would like to add that Tiffiny Denson, representing the Norma Livingston Foundation, was also at the meeting, reassuring me that I could represent Alabama well. Thanks Tiffiny.
</p>

<p>
Let s start communicating about many of us going next year. It will likely be at a different time of year which will be more pleasant than the 100 degree heat we had in July. Meanwhile, we must continue to care and support one another as we strive to get funding for a screening test for ovarian cancer, better information and education for gynecological cancers, and more research for the ultimate goal...THE CURE! Looking forward to seeing all of you in Washington in 08!

<br />
Patti McCartney, St. George Island, Fl 
</p>

<h2 align='center'> Johanna's Law</h2>
<p>President Bush HAS SIGNED Johanna s Law, landmark legislation that authorizes development of a national gynecologic cancer awareness campaign. The federal campaign would educate American women and health professionals about the signs and symptoms of ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. The President signed the bill on Friday, January 12th. Both houses of Congress unanimously approved Johanna s Law: the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act late last year. Johanna's law authorizes $16.5 million over a three-year period to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the awareness and education campaign. It is named for Johanna Silver Gordon, who died from ovarian cancer in 2000. <br /> </p>
<p>Because Johanna's Law is an authorizing measure, it does not include any appropriations, so we will all be working to urge Congressional funding for the campaign. <br /> </p>
<p>We will keep everyone informed as action is needed. You may look on the website www.johannaslaw.org for more information. <br /> </p>




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