The Maureen Fund
‘If only I had known…’
The Maureen Fund, a section of the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, offers women the opportunity to learn more about ovarian cancer and to determine risk factors through community outreach.
Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. It is estimated that there will be about 15,520 deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States during 2008. http://www.cancer.org
Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer because early symptoms are frequently subtle and are easily confused with other diseases. Established in 2005, The Maureen Fund memorializes a brave woman, Maureen Roehnelt, who wanted to make a difference. Her goal was to help other women prevent getting ovarian cancer or to conquer this dreaded disease if they had it. In a greater sense, the program considers every woman to be ‘Maureen.’
Initially, the fund had three goals: 1) seek earliest detection of the disease, 2) promote a uniform, standard of care for all women with the disease, and 3) support innovation in care and detection. The initial phase included a questionnaire to identify women at a possibly higher risk for developing ovarian cancer. Counseling and basic testing (pelvic ultrasound and CA 125 blood test) were offered to women with a certain level of risk factors. Results and recommendations were discussed with all patients tested and a written report was sent to their gynecologists.
It quickly became apparent to all of us working with The Maureen Fund that we were heightening awareness of the risks and signs of ovarian cancer among women and their families. The phrase we often heard was, ‘If only I had known…’ Rather than the testing we performed, it was the realization that many women did not know and needed to know about the risks and treatments for ovarian cancer.
As we look to the future direction of The Maureen Fund, we want to target the awareness feature of the program.
- Identify women and families at high risk for ovarian/breast cancer
- Assist patients and their families with prevention measures and risk reduction techniques, including lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options
- Continue to educate the general population and to inform the high risk population of new developments
The legacy of one brave woman will be that she did make a difference. Thanks to her efforts more people will know how to live their lives with decreased risk of developing ovarian cancer or a brighter outcome if they have the disease.
Informational brochures are made available to women at multiple sites, including health fairs, breast centers, the internet, shopping malls, salons, and spas.
The initial efforts of The Maureen Fund are to identify those women who are at high risk for ovarian cancer by asking them to complete a simple questionnaire. Those women who have significant personal or family history for ovarian cancer or suggestive symptoms are offered additional evaluation. Initially, they will meet with a counselor who will verify risk factors and offer options for screening and chromosome mutation identification. As part of the initial assessment, women will be offered endovaginal ultrasound examinations and blood testing for the CA 125 blood level evaluation. Based upon the answers to the questionnaire and testing results, the counselor will recommend further investigation for patients with history of or testing results indicative of their being at high risk.
The true accomplishments of The Maureen Fund are for the women, their families…and their friends who hear about this program.
At this time, we do not have a cure for ovarian cancer. However, we can alert women to the early signs of the disease, and we can help women identify significant items in personal and family history which will empower them to possibly avoid an impending, devastating disease.
For more information download the informational brochure and risk assessment form below.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment Form
Print and mail the completed risk assessment form to:
The Maureen Fund For Ovarian Cancer
The John Theurer Cancer Center
Hackensack University Medical Center
30 Prospect Avenue
Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
Or:
Fax to: 201-342-2196
Once The Maureen Fund receives the completed questionnaire you will be contacted by one of our healthcare professionals to verify risk factors and to set up an appointment for a consultation. When appropriate, a screening ultrasonography and a blood test for the CA 125 tumor marker will be made available.
If you have any further questions or need assistance in completing the attached form, please call: 201-996-4287.