About Us

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance is the foremost advocate for women with ovarian cancer in the United States. To advance the interests of women with ovarian cancer, the organization advocates at a national level for increases in research funding for the development of an early detection test, improved health care practices, and life-saving treatment protocols.  The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance educates health care professionals and raises public awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

In 1997, the leaders of ovarian cancer organizations from around the country met for the first time as the Department of Defense launched its Ovarian Cancer Research Program and the group Ovar’coming Together convened a town hall meeting.  The two events inspired these leaders to form the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance to fight for the interests of women with ovarian cancer.

Five Founding Members:
  • CONVERSATIONS! The International Newsletter for Those Fighting Ovarian Cancer (Texas)
  • The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (Florida)
  • Ovar’coming Together (Indiana)
  • The Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater Washington (Washington, D.C.)
  • SHARE: Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer (New York)

Founding Members

Patricia A. Goldman, President Emeritus, Kai Binford, Susan Lowell Butler, Bonnie Donihi, Pamela J. Faerber, Nancy Hines, Ann Kolker, Betty Reiser, Ceil Sinnex, Susan Wallace, Gail Hayward*, Carolyn N. Marks*, Cindy Melancon*, Rhonda Oziel*

An asterisk (*) indicates a Founding Member who is now deceased.

Mission

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance works to advance the interests of women with ovarian cancer by:

  • Advocating for increased federal funding for ovarian cancer research that will lead to an effective early detection test, better treatment, and a cure;
  • Increasing awareness that early recognition of symptoms is the best way to save lives;
  • Educating medical and other healthcare professionals about ovarian cancer diagnosis and the need to provide referral to gynecologic oncologists.