Sisterly Advice About Genetics and Cancer
In briefAI summary — tap to read
Jodie Kavensky, founder of Normala Ovarian Cancer Initiative, shares her personal journey losing her mother and aunt to ovarian cancer and describes five community programs designed to raise awareness and education about ovarian cancer symptoms, risk factors, and early detection. She emphasizes that while no screening test exists, diagnostic tests and genetic testing can help high-risk women stay ahead of the disease and improve survival rates.
Key takeaways
- Ovarian cancer mimics benign conditions like IBS and menopause, but early detection at stages 1-2 offers a 92% cure rate compared to just 45% five-year survival when diagnosed in stage 3.
- Common misconceptions—that you cannot get ovarian cancer after ovary removal, that it only affects older women, and that Pap smears screen for it—prevent women from seeking proper diagnosis and advocacy.
- Hereditary cancer syndromes (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations) significantly increase ovarian cancer risk, particularly in Ashkenazi Jewish and Eastern European populations, making genetic testing and risk assessment crucial.
- Referral to a gynecologic oncologist is essential for better surgical outcomes, as they have more tools and expertise to catch all cancer during initial surgery.
- Community education programs like Normala's Beat the Big O cards and Sisterly Advice workshops empower women and families to recognize symptoms, understand personal risk factors, and become advocates in their own healthcare.
About Jodie KavenskyJodie Kavensky is founder and volunteer director of Normala Ovarian Cancer Initiative, which she started 15 years ago in honor of her mother Norma and aunt Leah, both deceased from ovarian cancer. She has a healthcare marketing background and is a Paul Harris fellow's daughter with a lifelong commitment to the arts and community service.
AI-generated from the meeting recording — AI can make mistakes, so check the recording for anything important.
MEETING FOR THE WEEK OF May 27, 2024
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Program: Sisterly Advice About Genetics and Cancer
Speaker: Jodie Kavensky
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Program: Sisterly Advice About Genetics and Cancer
Speaker: Jodie Kavensky
Every week we bring you a new program on innovation, entrepreneurship, and education, and how those contribute to service to others.
The Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley seeks to explore perspectives on service from across the world. The views of the speakers in our programs are their own, and unless stated otherwise, are not necessarily reflective of the views of our eClub or Rotary International.
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Family history is the biggest risk factor for many cancers, especially ovarian, the deadliest gynecologic cancer. The use of genetic information is becoming increasingly important in the detection and treatment of cancer. This talk explores the familial and genetic risk factors for ovarian, breast, and other related cancers. Learn how genomics and genetics can guide proactive testing as well as treatment options for many cancers.
Our speaker, Jodie Shagrin Kavensky, will discuss assessing risk, exploring risk-reduction strategies, recognizing cancer's subtle symptoms, and seeking medical attention for the best outcome. Sisterly Advice is a talk to empower the audience to assess their risk for ovarian and related cancers, including breast cancer. This program can save your life or the life of someone you love.
Jodie Shagrin Kavensky is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations from Ohio State University and her Master of Science in Advertising from Northwestern University. Jodie spent seven years working in healthcare marketing in Chicago where her clients included Mayo Clinic and Michael Reese Hospital. Jodie is a board member of the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a sustaining member of the Junior League of the Quad Cities, and sits on the City of Rock Island Arts & Beautification Commission.
Jodie spent three years as a caregiver for her mother, Norma, who died of ovarian cancer. It was her mother’s dying wish that Jodie become a voice for all the women who this disease has silenced. Jodie founded the NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative in her mother and aunt's honor. She is an advocate for risk assessment and early detection education and shares her unique perspective on inheriting her mother's BRCA gene mutation. As the founder and volunteer CEO of NormaLeah since 2008 Jodie is a health educator and has developed several initiatives aimed at creating better health outcomes.
Members and guests, please welcome Jodie Shagrin Kavensky!
To learn more, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/NormaLeahOvarianCancerInitiative
https://instagram.com/normaleahinitiative
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