Greek Montreal fashion show raising funds for ovarian cancer prevention

The Greater Montreal Greek Community is raising funds so that all women in Quebec will have access to a Genomic Pap Test that detects genetic mutations, which could lead to ovarian and endometrial cancers, and screens for the diseases.

“Doctor Gilbert is doing something that is going to be medical legacy medical history,” said Justine Frangouli Argyris, Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal.

A fundraiser in Laval – being done in style – with a fashion show featuring five women who were in the clinical trial and had treatment.

“Even just one other woman,” said Aphrodite Salas, journalist and professor. “I’ll remember this my whole life. Ovarian cancer is like icing sugar.”

Salas participated in the clinical trial to support DOvEEgene. She was the given the choice for an elective hysterectomy and took it.

This cause hits home for Argyris organizer of the fashion show. Her sister passed away from ovarian cancer and she wants to avoid this fate for other women.

“Raising money and awareness for Doveegeene Screen Fest is the aim of my life because my sister died of ovarian cancer she suffered ugly illness and I don’t want others to go through that,” said Argyris.

Over 3,000 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2020.

The current transvaginal ultrasound scan will only pick up the cancer when it is already in stage 3 and 4.

The DOvEEgene screening test will change that.

The DOvEEgene Pap test is in the third phase of the clinical trials but Dr. Gilbert says it will take a lot of money to make it accessible to all women for free.

Symptomatic or not – women can access the DOvEEgene test – despite a high number of participants – it is encouraged if you’re over 45.