Annette McElhiney, PhD, notes the psychosocial needs of patients with cancer, survivors, and caregivers. As an ovarian cancer survivor, she describes the help provided by the recently launched “Steps Through Ovarian Cancer” program.

As a retired college professor, Dr. McElhiney uses her personal experience with ovarian cancer to advocate for other patients, urging faster development of new treatment options.

“Hands Off” emerged as my way of saying, “Let women make their own decisions about their bodies and healthcare.”

Annette McElhiney offers a liberating account of personal strength and identity following an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Unlike mammography, no routine test, such as a Pap smear, can yet detect ovarian cancer. Each year, approximately 22,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Despite having no history of cancer in my family, I received this diagnosis and prognosis. I was thrown completely off balance!