“Once I got diagnosed with ovarian cancer, my family members woke up and did Genetic Testing to find out we all have the BRCA mutation in the Koirala family”
Manisha Koirala – Actor, Author, Ovarcomer
Ovarian Cancer is a global disease. Watch this heartwarming conversation between celebrated Bollywood Actor Manisha Koirala and her world-renowned Doctor & Surgeon, Dr. Dennis Chi, where they transcend global boundaries, to walk the journey of Ovarcoming – together, with love & hope.
Ovar 300,000 women get diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually. According to studies conducted by the National Institute of Health, the highest incidence of ovarian cancer is seen in non-Hispanic white women, followed by Hispanic, non- Hispanic black, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. The highest mortality rate is seen in African population, indicating lack of access to timely and appropriate treatment. The highest mortality rate in Asia is seen in India.
Our work globally is currently focused on conducting educational outreach awareness campaigns and providing treatment assistance to our Ovarcomers in India and Africa. We host Global Awareness Campaigns via our Social Media channels all year, to reach our community worldwide.
India Initiatives:
Financial Grants for Treatment Support:
We provide these grants in India to ovarian cancer patients in need, for multiple rounds of chemotherapy treatment in direct partnership with our world-renowned hospitals. In India, underserved women often subsist on less than $100 per month, and the cost of chemotherapy can range from as little as $250 – $500, depending on the round and stage of treatment.
Physician Led Detection, Prevention and Screening Workshops:
We conduct physician led workshops regarding women’s cancers (ovarian, breast and cervical) in rural as well as urban areas of India and educate the community on early detection, prevention and screening techniques.
Awareness Programs:
We promote ovarian cancer awareness and provide much needed education, by distributing informational postcards translated in various regional Indian languages and by organizing grassroots outreach campaigns with the help of our local Advisors, Physicians, and local volunteers.
Africa Initiatives:
Awareness Programs:
We partner with local organizations to distribute our B.E.A.C.H. symptom postcards to hundreds of women and families in parts of Africa. Our representatives and on-site volunteers run road shows and grassroots door to door campaigns to educate women and families on the importance of early detection in ovarian cancer. We host online and in-person educational outreach events and symposiums to educate student nurses on the signs & symptoms and the importance of early detection in ovarian cancer.
Global Genetics Program:
Our Global Genetics Program is aimed to provide HBOC literacy, and access to genetic counseling/testing for ovarian cancer patients and families. Launched in partnership with our India counterparts in 2021, the NuGena project aims to provide Genetic Counseling to 2000 women and Genetic Testing to 1500 women in 3 years, in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Every woman, worldwide, is at risk of ovarian cancer. Every day is a good day to Talk About Ovarian Cancer. In any language. Keep Talking & Sharing!
