Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest gynecological cancer, and its prevention and treatment is grossly understudied and underfinanced. Because its early symptoms are so vague, they often get overlooked due to systemic sexism and ageism. Part of the reason the illness is so awful is because as of today, there are very limited ways to detect it early, meaning people often find out they have it much later than they would for other cancers and reducing their chances at survival.
One of my loved ones has been undergoing treatment for this illness for over a year now. Trying to make sense of the situation and trying to find something within my control, I decided to sign up for the Cedars Run for Ovarian Cancer this year, Sunday October 15th.
They raise funds for the DOvEEgene project developed by Dr. Gilbert and her team of McGill researchers; it provides a safe and minimally invasive method for earlier diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers while being the only test to distinguish cancerous versus non-cancerous cells in pre- and post-menopausal women.
Many of the risk factors of ovarian cancer are unfortunately beyond our individual control; systemic discrimination causing chronic stress, exposure to pesticides and environmental pollutants due to government negligence and corporate greed, to name a few-- age, and unluckiness to name others. However, I do find it encouraging that there is this amazing lab in Montreal working day and night to improve health outcomes for those affected by the illness- the earlier the illness gets detected, the more optimistic the outcomes.
If you enjoy running or walking, I would love to do some steps alongside you on team V (for victory over systemic neglect of 'women's' issues, for my loved one, and for any loved ones you have that are affected by this illness). For more information, please visit https://doveegene.com/about/
