On Sept. 1, 2007, the Anne Rita Monahan Foundation was established by its namesake, a heroic ovarian cancer fighter, to pursue her vision of warning other women against the disease that she continues to fight daily. The Anne Rita Monahan Foundation was created to fight back against ovarian cancer.

Because the disease is often difficult to detect, The Anne Rita Monahan Foundation is dedicated to educating and raising awareness of these signs and symptoms so that early detection will increase and instances of misdiagnosis will decrease. The Foundation also raises finances to help fund the discovery of an effective, reliable screening tool that will help detect this type of cancer early and give women the best opportunity for full remission.

The ARM Foundation marches towards its mission to eradicate ovarian cancer through outreach and educational programs to both the public and the medical community.

COMMON SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER:
• Difficulty with eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms “urgency or frequency”
• Pressure or pain in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs
• A swollen or bloated abdomen

LESS COMMON SYMPTOMS:
• Nausea, indigestion, gas, constipation or diarrhea
• Excessive fatigue continually
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual vaginal bleeding (heavy periods, bleeding after menopause)

WHAT TO DO:
Women who experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their gynecologist. They should also ask their doctor about the CA-125 blood test and ask to explore ultrasound options.