On March 7, the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer merged with CanCan to add ovarian and breast cancer education and awareness as the third component of its programming. The Rivkin Center previously has focused exclusively on ovarian cancer research and early detection screening. The merger addresses a vital need to increase awareness about ovarian cancer and to strengthen the fight against this disease.
I started CanCan after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34 after nursing my 1 year old twin boys so that other young women wouldn’t go through the same experience I did. I wanted to help educate women about breast cancer by giving them tools for prevention, early detection, and self-advocacy.
Since starting CanCan in 2004, we have educated over 30,000 women through CanCan’s signature educational workshops on college campuses, and at various community organizations in Washington, Oregon, and California.
Adding ovarian cancer to the CanCan’s breast cancer curriculum makes sense. Ovarian and breast cancer are two of the most serious diseases facing women today. Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis in women in the United States and with significant medical advances in the last 30 years, the five year survival rate, when detected early, is greater than 90%. Ovarian cancer is less common but it is one of the most deadly cancers. Additionally, ovarian and breast cancer can have a hereditary link, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, so it’s beneficial to address the cancers together.
We have found the ideal partnership which enables us to expand our services to a larger audience to be proactive about their health through our fun and fear free curriculum. We are merging to strengthen the fight against women’s cancers. Ultimately, our aim is to improve and save more women’s’ lives. This is our passion!
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog about CanCan on college campuses.
Click here to learn more about hosting or attending a CanCan workshop. It’s easy and it’s free!