Did you know 1 in 78 women are at risk for ovarian cancer, and that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers? Illinois ranks #5 in the nation for the most ovarian cancer deaths. Spreading awareness about symptoms and educating women will make a difference.
Joyce Zito, a Sun City resident, is trying to spread the word about ovarian cancer and is asking for help. According to information from the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer mainly develops in older women. About half of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older.
Zito said, “My goal is to provide information to women on facts and symptoms of ovarian cancer.”
Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and belly.
Zito said, “Unfortunately, by the time most patients with ovarian cancer see a doctor, 70% to 80% are already at stage III or IV. Often it is found during another medical procedure. I was diagnosed in 2022. I was having a CT scan of my chest. It caught the top of my abdomen. It was truly my own personal medical miracle that this very silent, scary, and aggressive stage IV cancer was found. Based on my previous medical history, my gynecologic oncologist informed me that this aggressive cancer developed from no sign of cancer to stage IV cancer in less than one year. My treatment plan consisted of three cycles of chemotherapy followed by surgery; a complete hysterectomy as well as the removal of my spleen and omentum. The cancer had metastasized to these organs. Following my surgery, I had three additional cycles of chemotherapy.”
Cervical cancer can be detected with a pap test. Breast cancer can be detected with mammograms and clinical breast exams. But ovarian cancer does not have a routine screening exam to detect it in its earliest stages.
Zito said, “By the grace of God, who I feel guided me to a medical team at the Northwestern Medicine Cancer Centers in downtown Chicago and Geneva, Illinois, where I received the best possible treatment and care, eight long months from the date I was diagnosed, I was declared to be in remission on January 19, 2023.”
Zito, from the date of her diagnosis, has been committed to spreading the word. She approached the Sun City Neighborhood Advisory Council to help her reach every resident in Sun City, but her request was denied.
Zito said, “When I first saw and heard the words ovarian cancer, I promised myself that I would commit much of my time in my years ahead to sharing ovarian cancer awareness, among my own family and friends as well as in the world around me.”
Zito is true to her promise. She had joined Ride for Hope, a local based 501(c)(3) Foundation. The groups is about raising funds to help spread awareness for ovarian cancer and to help women battling ovarian cancer with financial hardships. Ride for Hope’s mission is “to spread awareness of this silent disease, and its symptoms, and help ease some of the financial burdens women and families need while on this devastating journey.”
JuliAnne Scully, a 39-year ovarian cancer survivor, is the founder of Ride for Hope. Scully was diagnosed at 19. Scully said, “I remember how I felt when I got the diagnosis. I decided I wanted to help other women and send a message. Make yourself a priority. Be a good advocate for yourself and pay attention to your body.”
Zito has participated in Health Fairs, spoken to groups, and is offering to do the same here in Sun City.
“I hope to inspire all of the recipients of my awareness cards to purchase additional cards to give to their own family and friends. These are the Ovarian Cancer Signs & Symptoms cards that I will have available for order to promote ovarian cancer awareness. They are only .20 per single double-sided card. While I would love to distribute them at no cost, when hundreds or thousands of cards are ordered the printing costs add up quickly,” she said.
Some Sun City neighborhoods have contacted Zito and provided and distributed these cards.
Zito said, “Together we can all make a difference and save lives. Early detection and treatment of this silent, life-threatening cancer is the key to survival. To order, please email me at joycezito.OCA@yahoo.com or text/call me at 847-975-3102.”
Donations can be made to support Ride for Hope. More information can be found at www.rideforhopeil.org/. Scully said “Every penny goes to help an ovarian cancer victim. We are all volunteers with no pay.”
What does teal mean for ovarian cancer? The color ribbon used to symbolize the fight for Ovarian cancer, it also stands for “Tell Every Amazing Lady” About Ovarian Cancer (T.E.A.L.) or “Take Early Action and Live.”
