GCF BULLETIN

GCF in the News...

Gynecologic cancer is becoming an increasingly important topic being covered in the media today. The GCF's public education efforts have played a large part in making gynecologic oncology a newsworthy topic. The GCF is strongly interested in educating women and the public at large about gynecologic cancer, gynecologic oncologists, and in preventing and treating these cancers.

The GCF Hotline received over 5,000 calls after the "Larry King Live" show September 10, which discussed ovarian cancer.

On September 10, the Larry King Live show was dedicated to ovarian cancer. The show included live interviews with actor Pierce Brosnan, whose wife died of ovarian cancer, GCF Communications Committee Chair, Dr. Beth Karlan, and a panel that included Congresswoman Rosa Delauro (CT) and Elizabeth Tiberis, editor of Harper's Bazaar magazine, both gynecologic cancer survivors. During the program, the GCF 1/800 "Information Hotline" was provided on screen for the audience. The Hotline received over 5,000 calls in September 1996 alone in response to the show.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the National Cancer Institute produced a show on ovarian cancer that aired on the Discovery Channel in August. The program featured a panel that included Society of Gynecologic Oncologists member, Ted Trimble, MD and NCI Director Richard Klausner, MD.

Earlier this year in the January 29 issue of People magazine, a full page GCF public service announcement ran, which promoted awareness of gynecologic cancers and the specialists who treat them. The announcement concept and design were the pro-bono work of Susan Fowler Credl, daughter of SGO's own Butch Fowler, MD. The valuable space in People magazine was donated to the SGO and GCF by Anne S. Moore, publisher of the magazine.

After the ad ran, the GCF "Information Hotline" received double its average number of calls and over 400 "coupons" from the ad have been received requesting additional information.