According to a story from wect.com, when Beth Quinn received news of her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, she knew that it was only a matter of time before the disease claimed her life. Her doctor told her that the cancer had been discovered at too late a stage for her to be cured, and she would probably only have a few years left to live. However, instead of moping about her limited time, Beth founded a non-profit organization called She Rocks which helps fundraise for ovarian cancer research.
About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can form in or on an ovary. Typically ovarian cancer does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. It is also difficult to detect ovarian cancer without the presence of signs or symptoms. There are many different kinds of ovarian cancer. Women who have ovulated the longest over the course of their lives are at greater risk. Breast feeding, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can decrease the risk. Other risk factors may include the use of fertility medication, certain genetic variants and mutations (such as BRCA mutations), smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals. Treatment approaches can include surgery, chemo, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The five year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 45 percent in the US. To learn more about ovarian cancer, click here.
Unfortunately, many women think that a Pap smear is a way to detect ovarian cancer, but in reality this procedure is only useful for cervical cancer.
Far Reaching Impact
The establishment of She Rocks has allowed Beth have a lasting impact even after her death last January. Beth only discovered that she had ovarian cancer during gall bladder surgery. She realized that the best way she could spend her remaining time was to help other women with the disease and help support research related to ovarian cancer treatment and diagnosis. Ovarian cancer that is detected in its early stages is far more treatable.
She Rocks will host its annual luncheon on next Wednesday on September 12th. Since the founding of She Rocks five years ago, the annual event has managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars towards research. If you would like to learn more about the luncheon, click here.
