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April 23rd, 2008

Funding For Ovarian Cancer Hotline

1-866-53SHARE (1-866-537-4273) Included in the recently adopted 2008-09 New York State budget is funding in the amount of $160,000 secured by Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) to maintain the services of the New York State Ovarian Cancer Hotline.

The hotline is operated by the not for profit organization, "SHARE: Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer," a 31-year-old organization that provides survivor-led support services for those affected by breast or ovarian cancer, their families and friends. Drawing on their own experiences, nearly 50 cancer survivors volunteer to help others address the many emotional and practical issues that arise from a cancer diagnosis.

The hotline is accessible from anywhere in the United States and is available in English and Spanish, with capacity in 12 other languages. SHARE also offers support groups, wellness programs, educational meetings, and advocacy activities. All programs and services are free of charge.

"No one diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer should ever feel alone in their fight against these illnesses," said Senator Larkin. "The hotline offers not only practical information, but most importantly, comfort and hope, from others who have been there. Being able to secure this funding in the state’s budget was one of the most important victories for me personally this year."

Approximately 1,623 women were diagnosed last year in New York State with ovarian cancer. It is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American women. Since there is no effective screening tool for ovarian cancer, the best hope for early diagnosis is knowing the symptoms and what to do if they persist. The most common symptoms include: bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequently). Additional symptoms may include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, constipation, pain with intercourse and menstrual irregularities.

For more information, go to: www.sharecancersupport.org.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Teri Conti, `Ovarian Consultant, at (212) 719-0364, Ext. 310.