The "Hidden Cancer" Produces a Hidden Hero
Three years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, this cancer survivor remains impressed with the comprehensive health and support services offered by the Jersey Shore Cancer Center.

After experiencing firsthand how powerful group support can be in the midst of disease, Karen Starrett Belfer finds herself a reluctant — but grateful — role model for other cancer patients.

In 2003, on a routine day, 54-yearold Karen Starrett Belfer of Ocean noticed something out of the ordinary. "The first indication something was wrong was when I discovered a lump during a yoga exercise," says Karen. She wasted no time in getting to a specialist. "I went straight to Dr. Rajiv Uppal," a Jersey Shore University Medical Center gastroenterologist, "who told me to schedule an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist right away."

With no family history of cancer and no other symptoms, Karen wasn’t at all expecting what came next: a diagnosis of Stage III ovarian cancer, to be promptly treated with both surgery and chemotherapy.

Difficult to Detect
Karen’s case is characteristic of ovarian cancer. Apart from indigestion, gas, and bloating, which are easily mistaken for everyday discomforts, there are few, if any, early warning signs of the disease. As a result, ovarian cancer — which Karen aptly dubs the "hidden cancer" — is often caught at an advanced stage.

"The earlier you catch ovarian cancer, the better the rate of survival," confirms Kenneth Nahum, D.O., Karen’s oncologist and director of the Jersey Shore Cancer Center. "Women with a family history or those who think they may have symptoms should talk to their physician. Appropriate diagnosis requires a pelvic exam, blood test, and such diagnostic tests as ultrasound."

Following Karen’s surgery, William Mann, M.D., chair of the Obstetrics/Gynecology Department at Jersey Shore, oversaw her initial chemotherapy. She also participated in a clinical trial and continued further treatment under Dr. Nahum, all of which led to Karen’s remission.

Support from All Sides
"I am grateful to the team at Jersey Shore. The nurses are kind and always try to make a difficult situation easier," Karen states. "I am especially thankful to Dr. Nahum. He is an exceptional communicator. He always listens to my concerns, looks me straight in the eye, and helped point me in the direction of the Ovarian Cancer Support Group."

This support group — one of many services offered at the Cancer Center to meet the emotional, mental, and social needs of cancer patients and their families

— became integral to Karen’s recovery: "The women I’ve met through the group are incredibly strong in spirit. Sharing our experiences on a regular basis is a key part of our healing."

Another key component of Karen’s cancer experience has been her artwork. She recently shared with the support group a series of paintings she did chronicling her journey. One of the paintings, titled "Hero," depicts the importance of sharing one’s emotions with others who might be in need, such as newly diagnosed patients.

Although Karen herself needed some time to work into that role, she feels that the camaraderie she has found in her support group and her sense of gratitude about making it through have given her the courage to now help others and to increase public awareness of ovarian cancer.

"I am proud to be a part of this group and hope that my experience will encourage other women facing ovarian cancer to reach out for all the help available to them." Recently, Karen had an opportunity to witness the positive effects of her efforts. After a long phone conversation with another ovarian cancer patient, Karen relates, "She told me that I inspired her and helped her deal with her diagnosis. She called me her hero. I was stunned by her words — and deeply touched."

– Ryan Younger