The Spotlight is on Early Detection for Ovarian Cancer as it Takes the Lives of Two Well-Known Entertainers

Atlanta, GA (July 16, 2007) – The recent deaths of Claudia Cohen, a well-known entertainment reporter for ABC's "Regis and Kelly" and Marcheline Bertrand, mother of film actress Angelina Jolie, from ovarian cancer have put the spotlight on a disease long known as "the silent killer." Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in women. There will be 80,000 new people diagnosed this year – more than 50 percent will die from the disease. This is largely because current methods of early detection are insufficient. Only 25 percent of cases are diagnosed early. Due to work now underway at the Ovarian Cancer Institute in Atlanta, this may soon change. 

   "We are on the cusp of major changes in early detection," says Benedict Benigno, M.D., one of the worlds' leading gynecologic oncologists and founder of the Ovarian Cancer Institute. "What we have done is genetically analyze ovarian tumors - looking for common proteins and elements that serve as biomarkers. We believe we are on the precipice of a major breakthrough. We are focusing on a BCL-2 test, which checks for elevated protein in the urine and something called the HE-4 protein biomarker test." 

   This groundbreaking news comes as we approach Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which is every September. Early diagnostic tools are especially important for women with a family history of ovarian and breast cancer, as both can indicate a genetic disposition towards the disease. 

   Current detection tools are insufficient, but include pelvic exams, the CA-125 blood test and a fairly vague group of symptoms, including: 

  Persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints, like gas, nausea or indigestion

  New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal bleeding

  Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, fullness and/or pain

  Frequency and/or urgency of urination

  Unexplained weight loss or gain

   The Ovarian Cancer Institute is well known for its cutting-edge work - even with patients who are diagnosed with advanced stages of ovarian cancer, like Diane Shimsky of Atlanta. She had been on a cruise around Costa Rica in 2002, thought she had ingested a parasite and saw her doctor upon returning. "While I was at the doctor, something made me ask about the CA-125 blood test that checks for ovarian cancer. I really think it was divine intervention because for some reason, I became persistent about having this test done." The next day she was shocked to learn that her CA-125 count was almost 4,000. A normal count is below 35.