Guest Author - Susan Dorling

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States, and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. The statistics are staggering and currently there is no effective means of early detection with only 25% of cases diagnosed in the early stages. The good news is that when detected and treated early the five-year survival rate is greater than 90%. But when diagnosed in advanced stages only 50% of women survive longer than five years. With a lifetime risk of 1 in 67, this devastating disease is one all women should be acutely aware of.

Jewelry Collecting salutes those who help promote awareness of ovarian cancer and jewelry designers, Randi-sue Deckard of Designing Diva and Sheela Rayala of Kuukivi have created beautiful jewelry to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Randi-sue Deckard of Designing Diva ~ Love & Hope Necklace
Inspired by the teal color of the official OCRF logo, this teal fused glass tile is baked at a whopping 1500 degrees. The hammered sterling silver circle represents the O for ovarian cancer and the white freshwater pearl a symbol for love and hope.

The Love & Hope Necklace will ship on a 16 inch sterling silver chain. The pendant shown is ~ 1.5-1.75 inches square (the glass rounds when baked)and is $49.95. A smaller version of this gorgeous art glass design pendant is available for $44.95.

Art glass in its raw state is fragile but when annealed becomes stronger. Randi-sue chose the medium of art glass for this design to symbolize how fragile life is but how strength can see us through!









Sheela Rayala of Kuukivi ~ O Pals Necklace
Big O shaped multi-link chain in the center with Opals hanging delicately to give perfect balance to the necklace. The Opals are handwrapped to Sterling Silver chain and is connected to the links with Blue Sapphire beads. The center piece is connected to a Sterling Silver chain with Turquoise faceted roundelles and Bali spacers. The necklace is approximately 16" in length and $155.00. Kuukivi will donate 20% of all net sales of this design to OCRF.

What You Should Know About Ovarian Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea,and indigestion.

Abdominal bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, and/or feeling of fullness.

Unexplained change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.

Unexplained weight gain or loss.

Frequency and/or urgency of urination.

Unusual fatigue.

Shortness of breath.

New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

Increasing age, with highest occurrence in women over 50.

Family or personal history of ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer. However only 10% of cases are linked to family history.

Uninterrupted ovulation such as having no pregnancies; infertility, or low parity.

Presence of BRCA1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

Use of oral contraceptives for more than five years can reduce your risk by approximately 50%.

Multiple pregnancies and having first full-term pregnancy before the age of 25.

Breast feeding.

Hysterectomy/Tubal ligation substantially reduces risk.

Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes (oopherectomy) dramatically reduces, but does not completely eliminate, risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Visit SheFinds for more designers who are promoting awareness for Ovarian Cancer through their jewelry designs.

To learn more about ovarian cancer including how ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated please please visit OCRF

Visit Designing Diva at www.designing-diva.com

Visit Kuukivi at www.kuukivi.com