I found out earlier today that it is the first ever World Ovarian Cancer Day. The purpose of the day is to get everyone to send a consistent message about ovarian cancer — for at least one day. Remembering my mom's struggle and our family's, I decided to post the following to Facebook:

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13 years ago my mom knew two things: that she had ovarian cancer and that it had been caught late, just like in 85% of cases, which meant that she had less than a 50% chance of seeing any of her kids enter high school. Not catching it early is ugly but she beat the statistics for a long time. 10 years. She was atypically strong and had support from so many great people — and our family could never thank you all enough.

Eventually though, it's not a matter of strength or support; not a matter chemo or promising new treatments. Eventually — if it's caught late — it's not a matter of recovery because ovarian cancer is exponentially more deadly after its been given a chance to make a footing.

3 1/2 years ago my mom was one of the 14,000 US women to die wounded from a too-late a fight with ovarian cancer.

Cancer is treatable. Even ovarian cancer. The 15% of women who get diagnosed early make it 5 years with 93% certainty. Today on the first World Ovarian Cancer Day we would do well to know two things:

1) These symptoms of ovarian cancer warrant a check-up:

• Increased abdominal size / persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) 
• Difficulty eating/feeling full quickly 
• Abdominal or pelvic pain 
• Needing to pass urine more urgently or more frequently 

2) That detecting cancer — of any type — late is a waste; it can usually be caught early because we have the screenings and exams to do so. Caught early, it can be treated effectively.

And really, detecting most diseases at most stages is a waste. Living healthier and seeking preventative medicine, we can prevent a majority of the diseases that ruin our quality of life and lead to an empty seat at the table. The most advanced treatments in the world aren't nearly as ideal as never having to consider them.

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It's one of the most deadly cancers for a woman to get because of how late it's usually diagnosed. That was the case with my mom's cancer and, although she fought like hell, ovarian cancer added one more woman to its long victim list.

I'd urge anyone with those symptoms to go in and get them checked out. You can't lose; either you don't have cancer (but also a little lighter in the wallet) or you might be able to catch it early when the 5 year survival rate is better than 90% (instead of catching it late when it's worse than 50%).

My professor read this poem to us. It highlights a common mistake that we make: focusing more on ways to cure illness rather than prevent it.

"The Ambulance Down in the Valley"

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke, and full many a peasant.
The people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally.
Some said "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

The lament of the crowd was profound and was loud,
As their tears overflowed with their pity;
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day
As it spread through the neighboring city.
A collection was made, to accumulate aid,
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave dollars and cents--not to furnish a fence--
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right if you're careful," they said;
"And, if folks ever slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below--when they're stopping."
So for years (we have heard), as these mishaps occurred
Quick forth would the rescuers sally,
To pick up the victims who fell from the cliff,
With the ambulance down in the valley.

Said one, in a plea, "It's a marvel to me
That you'd give so much greater attention
To repairing results than to curing the cause;
You had much better aim at prevention.
For the mischief, of course, should be stopped at its source;
Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally.
It is far better sense to rely on a fence
Than an ambulance down in the valley."

"He is wrong in his head," the majority said,
"He would end all our earnest endeavor.
He's a man who would shirk this responsible work,
But we will support it forever.
Aren't we picking up all, jut as fast as they fall,
And giving them care liberally?
A superfluous fence is of no consequence
If the ambulance works in the valley."

But a sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be much stronger.
Encourage them then, with your purse, voice and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young, than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling,
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best
To prevent other people from falling."
Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley
Better put a strong fence 'round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

 (by Joseph Malins as posted here)