Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Each year, more than 80,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer. In fact, a new case of gynecologic cancer – or cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina or vulva – is diagnosed once every seven minutes. Although gynecologic cancers can affect women of any age, awareness about this group of diseases remains low. But a dedicated group of gynecologic cancer patients, survivors, physicians and supporters is hoping to change that view here in the Triad.
On Saturday, Oct. 30, the Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center at Forsyth Medical Center will host the inaugural Athena’s Run for GYN Cancers at Tanglewood Park Shelter #4. The event, which features a 1-mile walk / fun run and 5K run, is designed to raise not only awareness of gynecologic cancers but funds to help prevent them.
“Athena was the goddess of war, wisdom and heroic endeavors, and she symbolizes the thousands of women who wage battle against gynecologic cancers every day,” explains Elizabeth Skinner, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist at Forsyth Regional Cancer Center , who spearheaded the idea for Athena’s Run. “Athena’s Run is designed to celebrate those who have survived, honor those who have passed and encourage those who are still struggling in their fight.”
Dr. Skinner, who is an avid runner, came up with the idea for Athena’s Run after taking part in the inaugural Race to End Women’s Cancer in Washington, D.C. last November. The race, which helped bring gynecologic cancers more to the national stage, was a great opportunity, Dr. Skinner thought, and deserved to be replicated on a local level. She quickly enlisted the help of eight other women – her physician’s assistant and nurse, five women who have been treated for a gynecologic cancer, and the loved one of a patient who had recently passed away from ovarian cancer – and Athena’s Run was born.
“We really want to make sure that women understand that gynecologic cancers do exist, that they can be prevented, and that they can be treated,” Dr. Skinner says. “The most important piece, though, is that women understand what these cancers are, learn to recognize the signs and symptoms, and know where to turn if they have a problem. Just by having an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear, you can significantly increase your chances of early detection and survival.”
Athena’s Run kicks off with the 1-mile walk / fun run at 8 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. Online registration is open through Oct. 28, and on-site registration will be available the morning of the race. Registration cost for the 1-mile walk / fun run is $15; the 5K cost $25 for those who register by Oct. 6 and is $30 thereafter. For more information or to register, visit www.athenasrun.org.
