The American Cancer Society estimates that about 22,240 women will receive a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2018 and that about 14,070 will die from ovarian cancer in the 2018. High death rates are attributed to the fact that often ovarian cancer is not diagnosed until the late stages because there ore typically no signs or symptoms until the cancer has spread. This is the 41^st year that Kentucky Extension Homemakers have partnered in supporting ovarian cancer screening to reduce the mortality rate due to ovarian cancer in Kentucky women. Screenings are free to all women over the age of 50 or over 25 if they have a family history of ovarian cancer.

Bourbon County Extension Homemakers decided in 2017 to add to their annual financial support of a $1.00 per member donation to the free screenings.  To increase this monetary donation they initiated an annual Ovarian Cancer Tea. The first annual tea was a success with $260 raised for the UK Ovarian Screening. 

The second annual Ovarian Cancer Tea was held May 11, 2018. With the help of Betty Overly’s donation of a handmade Shaker Basket as a door prize, the Tea raised $800 for screenings. This was a 325% increase over last year’s donation. Not only have the Homemakers increased the amount of donations, they have also increased Ovarian Cancer Awareness. 100% of the people in attendance at the 2018 Tea indicated they learned something of which they were not aware, about Ovarian Cancer. The most noted item was that the screening procedure is painless, takes 5-10 minutes and is offered at the University of Kentucky free of charge.

Congratulations to Bourbon County Extension Homemakers in working toward saving lives.