There is an abundance of support and information available if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Numerous non-profit organizations and support groups at the local, national and international level are devoted to improving the lives of women who are living with this devastating disease. Below I’ve listed the most essential or relevant resources that I’m aware of for ovarian cancer patients and their families, whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor. 

 

Calgary and Southern Alberta Resources

Alberta Cancer Foundation
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the organization responsible for supporting all of the province’s cancer centres. These include two large comprehensive facilities, the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. Smaller facilities are the Grande Prairie Cancer Centre, Central Alberta Cancer Centre (Red Deer), Margery E. Yuill Cancer Center (Medicine Hat) and Jack Ady Cancer Centre (Lethbridge) as well as 11 community cancer centres. The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the largest single funder of research in Alberta and invests millions of dollars each year to support world-class cancer researchers.

Wellspring Alberta
Wellspring devotes itself exclusively to the unique non-medical needs that cancer presents. At Wellspring Alberta Albertans with cancer, their families and friends can exchange information, develop a support system and create a sense of hope. Wellspring is non-profit and charges no fees. Its programs are available free to anyone living with any type of cancer at any stage. Programs include individual and group classes, coping skills, art and expressive therapy, educational workshops and a discussion series. A lending resource library provides a range of information on the social, emotional and psychological aspects of cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Sunflower Support Group
This is a group for women living with ovarian cancer and their supporters. The group meets every Thursday afternoon at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary where a professional psychologist leads discussions. New members can register or obtain more information by calling 403-355-3207.

Canadian Organizations

The Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society was officially formed in 1938, but the seeds for the Society were planted back in 1929 when the Saskatchewan Medical Association formed the country’s first cancer committee. The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada is the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer. Every three and a half hours another woman is diagnosed with ovarian caner in Canada. The statistics are grim: seven in ten women die within five years of diagnosis and the long-term disease-free survival rate for advanced ovarian cancer is only ten percent. Ovarian cancer is the 5th most common cancer for women and is the most fatal women’s cancer.

OVdialogue
Ovarian cancer is not as common as some other forms of the disease, it affects one in every 69 Canadian women. Together with the vast geography of our country, it can be years before a woman with this type of cancer comes face to face with someone who truly understands where she is coming from. This leads to a deep sense of isolation. OVdialogue is an online community where women with ovarian cancer can connect with one another for advice and encouragement.

American and International Organizations

The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. For 100 years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has worked relentlessly to save lives. Together with millions of their supporters worldwide, they help people stay well, help people get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The mission of the NOCC is to raise awareness and promote education about ovarian cancer. The Coalition is committed to improving the survival rate and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer. Close to 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and approximately 13,270 women die annually from the disease. If diagnosed and treated early, when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is over 90 percent. Through national programs and local Chapter initiatives, the NOCC’s goal is to make more people aware of the early symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia was founded by people directly affected by ovarian cancer who wanted to raise awareness of the disease and support those who had been affected. Ovarian Cancer Australia was incorporated in July 2001. It was known as OvCa Australia, the National Ovarian Cancer Network, until changing its name to Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2008.

Ovarian Cancer Action (UK)
Ovarian Cancer Action strives to stop women dying from ovarian cancer by funding world-class scientific research leading to innovative treatment and progressive solutions. Ovarian cancer is currently the UK’s most deadly gynecological cancer disease, with over 7,500 cases diagnosed every year.

Patient Advocacy Organizations

Drugwatch
Drugwatch is a consumer advocacy organization. They work side by side with certified medical and legal experts. Their mandate is to educate the public on dangerous drugs and medical devices and to empower consumers to assert their legal rights. Their headquarters is located in Orlando, Florida, where they produce Drugwatch.com.

Drugwatch.com contains information about the prescription drugs you take, the medical devices you’re implanted with, the conditions and procedures you’ve endured, and the legal options that may be available. This web resource provides in-depth, scientifically researched, and peer-reviewed information about a wide range of health topics — including ovarian cancer. They’ve recently published a brand-new ovarian cancer guide. 

The Mesothelioma Center
Asbestos is a carcinogen that is linked to mesothelioma and possibly ovarian cancer as well. There are currently thousands of lawsuits underway regarding women who were regular users of Johnson & Johnson baby powder and later developed ovarian cancer. It’s alleged that the product contained talc contaminated with asbestos.

Since 2006 The Mesothelioma Center at asbestos.com has been helping connect people whose health has been impacted by asbestos exposure. Their objective is to provide patients and families with reliable information, world-class treatment and legal services.