National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and CSI: Miami Star Eva La Rue Launch Eva's Divas in Hollywood to Educate Women Nationwide About Ovarian Cancer

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and CSI: Miami Star Eva La Rue Launch Eva's Divas in Hollywood to Educate Women Nationwide About Ovarian Cancer

- New Educational Program Kicks Off September's Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month -

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) launched its newest educational initiative, Eva's Divas, with a celebrity red-carpet event at Boulevard 3 to honor survivors, friends and family who will be the first to pledge to empower and educate women nationwide about the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer. NOCC spokesperson and CSI: Miami star Eva La Rue, who lost both her grandmother and great-grandmother to the disease, is hosting the event in honor of the NOCC and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in September.

"Since there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, it is crucial that women take charge of their reproductive health by educating themselves about the disease and learning how to broach this important topic with their physician, especially if they have a family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer," said NOCC spokesperson, Eva La Rue. "By encouraging women to be proactive, pay attention to their bodies and to educate one another through their strong networks of friends, family and acquaintances, together we can make a difference in increasing the low survival rate of ovarian cancer."

To become an official member of the Eva's Diva's initiative, women are encouraged to visit http://www.ovarian.org/evasdivas, where they can pledge to learn about ovarian cancer and to "pass it on" to all of the important women, friends and families in their lives. The site also offers important information about ovarian cancer education, an e-card that women can forward to other Divas and fun tips from Eva on how to raise awareness in the Diva's community.

"NOCC is very excited to launch Eva's Divas, NOCC's newest educational initiative under the auspices of our signature Break the Silence campaign," said NOCC Chief Executive Officer, Carol Ansley. "Eva's dedication to recruiting other 'Divas' provides yet another opportunity to achieve NOCC's mission of raising awareness and promoting education about ovarian cancer across the country."

In addition to the launch event, women are encouraged to join Eva La Rue, NOCC volunteers and supporters to participate in the annual "NOCC and PureOlogy's Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer" on Saturday, September 6th. The 5K run/walk will take place at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey, CA at 9:00 a.m. Interested participants can visit http://www.ovarian.org/lawalk to become a member of Eva's team and walk with Eva and her Divas at the walk.

About Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is the leading killer among women's reproductive cancers. This year alone, more than 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 15,000 will die from it. Nevertheless, only 15 percent of women are familiar with the symptoms, and 82 percent have never talked to their doctor about the symptoms and risk factors of the disease.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

In June 2007, NOCC, along with the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation and other national organizations announced the first national consensus on ovarian cancer symptoms. Women who have the following symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their gynecologist and ask for a rectovaginal exam and transvaginal ultrasound.

   The symptoms include:    -- Bloating   -- Pelvic or abdominal pain   -- Trouble eating or feeling full quickly   -- Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often    

Common risk factors of the disease include genetic predisposition, personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer, increasing age and undesired infertility. If a woman's risk factors fit any of these criteria, she should proactively inform her doctor.

About National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)

Since its inception in 1995, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) has been committed to raising awareness of ovarian cancer in communities across the country through education and support. As the first and only national ovarian cancer organization with a network of more than 80 Chapters throughout the United States, NOCC has established itself as the leading advocate for patients and families struggling with ovarian cancer. Committed volunteers work together to advance NOCC's mission through a toll-free Help Line, comprehensive web site, peer support, professional education, the promotion of research, publications and Break the Silence, a national education program to facilitate greater awareness and dialogue about ovarian cancer. For more information about the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, visit http://www.ovarian.org/ or call 1-888-OVARIAN.

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Source: National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

CONTACT: Jessica Carlson, +1-312-515-0501, jcarlson@wcpglobal.com, for
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

Web site: http://www.ovarian.org/

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Profile: International Entertainment