Lynne Cohen Foundation & Women's Health Magazine Reader Contest

In partnership with Women’s Health magazine, the Lynne Cohen Foundation held a contest to promote the importance of early detection and prevention of women’s cancers. Readers were asked to share how the experience of one woman in their life – a mother, sister, friend, daughter – inspired them to take preventive action and make life-saving choices to reduce their risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

Thank you to everyone who shared their personal stories of courage and inspiration. We are proud to share with you that Women’s Health magazine chose Agnese Reforzo Arnold of Bethesda, Maryland as the grand prize winner. This excerpt of her story appeared in the November 2007 issue of Women’s Health magazine:

I remember sitting opposite my mother’s gynecologist. Outside, several nurses hovered, as if on standby. Then, I heard the words, “your mother has ovarian cancer.”

The moment I burst into tears, the doctor made the slightest movement to reach his hand out for mine. He held on until I had finished. “But what does this mean?” I insisted. “Is she going to die? How did she get it and how long has she had it?” My head flooded with questions. From that point forward, answers never seemed to replace questions.

Now at 30 years of age, I am committed to doing everything possible to prevent the same tragedy from befalling me. My mother passed away two months shy of 65—and just 18 months after her diagnosis. My newfound genetic predisposition places me, all of a sudden, in a high-risk category. I knew there would be choices to make.

Here’s what I have learned. Constantly evaluating my body, I have become attuned to the slightest signals that others might ignore. Now I always think about common symptoms of ovarian cancer, like abdominal swelling and bloating. At my age, precautions may be as important, if not more, than looking for symptoms. I take oral contraceptives because some research shows the regularity it gives to ovulation might help prevent ovarian cancer. Another obvious measure would be eventual removal of my ovaries. Every precaution may make the difference, so after my children are born, I plan to go through with the process. Currently, I am seriously considering genetic testing. The test would provide valuable information that can help reduce my risk for the disease, or even catch it early enough to allow for successful treatment.

After my mother passed away, I started a memorial fund in her name for this reason. The fund helps support The Lynne Cohen Cancer Screening & Prevention Clinic at Bellevue Hospital Center, NYU Cancer Institute, a program for uninsured, underserved minority women from communities that have traditionally had fewer medical services available.

Throughout the process of caring for my mother during her illness, I have learned—most importantly—that I should never be afraid to ask questions and question explanations. Being proactive has allowed me to take charge of my health. I plan to see each and every one of my children on their wedding day.