Andrea Posner- Miami, FL
Sitting in on a speech given by Fran Drescher about her movement, Cancer Schmancer, a person would hardly know that Fran herself battled with uterine cancer. That is because Fran took her cancer survival as an opportunity to use her experience as a way to change women’s healthcare. Fran says, “Sometimes the best gifts come in the ugliest packages”. Life is full of surprises and rarely goes as planned. Therefore when something goes wrong you’ve got to be ready to pick up the pieces. Fran certainly has used this mentality to create a movement that inevitably can help all women around the world.
The goal of the Cancer Schmancer Movement is to ensure that all women’s cancers are diagnosed in Stage 1. Through prevention, education, and policy change, the foundation believes that all women should be eligible to the healthcare necessary to properly diagnose cancer in Stage 1, when it is most curable.
Fran herself visited 8 doctors over a period of two years before being properly diagnosed with uterine cancer. Doctors diagnosed her with a long list of minor problems that were associated with her symptoms. Common symptoms of Gynecologic cancers are as follows: indigestion, heartburn, nausea, gas, abdominal swelling or discomfort, pelvic pain or cramping, bloating, unexplained weight gain, backache, painful urination that is frequent but with no infection, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, vaginal bleeding or irregular periods, and pain/cramping during or after intercourse.
Because many of these symptoms are associated with other more minor health issues, it is important to take certain tests to ensure proper diagnosis. The following tests are suggested: Pap test, HPV test, Endometrial biopsy, Transvaginal ultrasound, and a CA 125 blood test. Some doctors are encouraged by insurance companies to suggest these tests only when necessary. The point is that these test are always necessary when in comes to diagnosing Gynecologic cancer in Stage 1.
Fran’s movement has made big strides in creating awareness across the U.S. In December of 2007, President Bush signed a bill that allotted $6.5 million for the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act, otherwise known as “Johanna’s Law”. The money allows the U.S Department of Health and Humane Services to launch a national campaign to educate American women and health professionals about the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers. In the state of
California, Cancer Schmancer initiated a state wide initiative by presenting a bill that would allow for all women to be entitled to a TVU (transvaginal ultrasound).
Fran has become a strong influence within the women’s healthcare community. In the
United States alone there are more than 75,000 newly diagnosed uterine, ovarian, and cervical caners annually. The earlier these cancers are detected the less people that will die from it. So as Fran says, “Take Control of Your Body”! Build a relationship with your doctor and learn the right questions to ask and tests to take in order to ensure a healthful status.
Find out more at www.cancerschmancer.org
Tags: Cancer|
Posted By: andrea | Apr 2nd