Gift Coincides With National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
STONY BROOK, N.Y., September 2, 2008 – Long Island OCEANS (Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support), an organization made up of gynecologic cancer survivors, donated $25,000 to Stony Brook University Medical Center to support research on the early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer and other gynecologic cancers. SBUMC cancer researchers have received continued support from L.I. OCEANS, including a grant for $25,000 in 2006.
Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of gynecologic cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer claims the lives of more than 22,000 each year, and 15,000 women are diagnosed with the disease annually. The White House has declared September National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation calls September National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.
“The search for better and more accurate diagnostics for early detection of gynecologic cancers, particularly for ovarian cancer, is central to our research,” says Michael L. Pearl, M.D., Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at SBUMC. “The grant from Long Island OCEANS will help further several research initiatives,” adds Dr. Pearl, emphasizing that because symptoms of ovarian cancer often do not occur until the disease is advanced, many women are not diagnosed early enough to help control or cure disease.
The goal of L.I. OCEANS is to create awareness among women regarding the early warning signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers. The network provides support, resources, and education for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers, as well as support for the advancement of disease research. L.I. OCEANS is promoting “Teal Tuesday,” September 23, as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day. The organization is appealing for people to wear teal in honor of the thousands of lives who have been touched by the disease.
The Division of Gynecologic Oncology at SBUMC is within the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine. The Division provides comprehensive examinations, diagnostic services, and treatment for women with all forms of gynecologic cancer. Research is a major component of the Division. Patient services are provided at SBUMC, the Stony Brook University Cancer Center outpatient facility, and at Long Island Gynecologic Oncologists, P.C., with offices in Smithtown and Mineola.
Caption: Stony Brook University Medical Center received $25,000 from L.I. OCEANS (Ovarian Cancer Education Advocacy Network & Support) for gynecologic cancer research. Pictured from left: Eileen Tobin, OCEANS member; Denise Reilly, Administrator, Ambulatory Cancer Services, SBUMC; Theodore Gabig, M.D., Interim Director, Stony Brook University Cancer Center; Khrissy Lupinacci, an OCEANS founding member; Michael L. Pearl, M.D., Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, SBUMC; Chris Reynolds, OCEANS member; and Marylou Stewart, OCEANS founding member and Supervisor, Medical Photography, SBUMC. Credit: Jeanne Neville, Stony Brook University Media Services
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Greg Filiano Media Relations Manager, School of MedicineStony Brook University Medical CenterLevel 5, Suite 9, Rm. 429Stony Brook, NY 11794-7538631-444-9343 gfiliano@notes.cc.sunysb.eduwww.stonybrook.edu/news
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