While there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, awareness is one of the tools used in the prevention of the disease.
The Prosserman Jewish Community Centre is hosting three sessions to help women get the facts about signs, symptoms, risk factors and research into ovarian cancer.
According to Ovarian Cancer Canada, more than 2,600 Canadian women are diagnosed every year; and every year 1,750 women succumb to this disease. Symptoms are varied, vague and easily missed. There is no screening test to detect it, but when found early and treated, ovarian cancer survival rate is 90 per cent.
In the Ashkenazi Jewish population, the prevalence of certain genetic mutations BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 is greater than in the rest of the general population. This puts Jewish women at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer and breast cancer within their lifetime.
Knowledge is Power is an educational program offered by Ovarian Cancer Canada, and presentations will be led by Marilyn Sapsford, Ontario Regional Manager at Ovarian Cancer Canada on the following dates:
- Jan. 16, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Jan. 18, 10 a.m. to noon
- Jan. 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
The goal of the presentation is to spread awareness and understanding of the disease and to promote informed health choices and early detection of ovarian cancer. A discussion about the BRCA 1 and 2 genetic mutations will also be included.
This is a free program and everyone is welcome. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Karen at 416-638-1881, ext. 4255 or karen@prossermanjcc.com
Prosserman JCC is at 4588 Bathurst St., south of Finch Ave.