Raising Awareness is Key to Saving Lives

Latest NWHRC Health Report Gives Women the Information They Need About Gynecologic Cancers

The latest issue of the National Women's Health Report examines the current medical information about gynecologic cancers, including ovarian cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer and cervical cancer. Although most gynecologic cancers are treatable if caught early, they still claim the lives of approximately 26,000 women a year.
"The more women know about these cancers, the better able they are to act on the early warning signs. Awareness, screening, and prompt action are key," said Amy Niles, president and CEO of the National Women's Health Resource Center (NWHRC), publisher of the National Women's Health Report.

The NWHRC's "Gynecologic Cancers & Women's Health," has presented up-to-date, easy-to-understand information about gyn cancers for consumers all in one publication. The publication was developed in cooperation with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), which is also the sponsor of the annual September Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month activities. September 2004 marks the first year that all 50 states have issued their own proclamations recognizing September as a time to be more aware of gyn cancers. GCF

"During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, we hope women will take four simple steps in order to protect their health," said Bobbie Gostout, MD, Communications Chair for the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. "Each woman should get to know her family history, conduct an online risk assessment at wcn.org, ask questions about gynecologic cancers and make an appointment for an annual exam."

A special feature of the report "Gynecologic Cancers & Women's Health" is the chart, "Gynecologic Cancers: The Basics." For each type of cancer presented there are details on risk factors (such as family history), symptoms, diagnostic and screening tests (the Pap test), treatment and prevention strategies. Also of special interest is the article, "When Gynecologic Cancers Strike Younger Women."

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation was established by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists in 1991 as a not-for profit charitable organization to raise funds to support philanthropic programs to benefit women who have, or who are at risk for, developing a gynecologic cancer.

The National Women's Health Resource Center is the nation's leading independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating women of all ages about health and wellness issues. Its programs include public education campaigns, special publications and its Web site, fmxhosting.com/drupal635, a one-stop shop for women's health on the Web.

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For more information:
Beverly Dame, 888-406-9472
bdame@healthywomen.org

Order your free copy of the National Women's Health Report, "Gynecologic Cancers & Women's Health," here, or call: 1-877-986-9472.