GAS PRICES: The local volunteer cancer drivers have noticed the increase in gas prices, which seems to be as much a sign of spring as the robin sightings.

One volunteer called on Monday to tell us about them.

She drives to Olean (N.Y.) Oncology every week, and the gasoline at the Country Fair in Olean was $2.41 last week and $2.45 this week, she said. Meanwhile, prices in Bradford are about 20 cents higher than that, she noticed.

She explained the difference between the price across state lines does impact her gas-buying habits: “I’m on empty, just about, and I will go to Olean tomorrow to get gas in my car.”

GOOD REVIEWS: Bradford’s own Susan Evans was recently praised for her autobiographical book, “Don’t Write The Obituary Yet,” by the The ASCO Post, a publication of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

The ASCO Post has recommended the book to all ovarian cancer patients.

A release about the review reads, “In a review in the January 25, 2017 issue, the reviewer, Ronald Piana, said Evans employs ‘a first-person jocular, semi-ironic voice in her ovarian cancer tale.’

Piana said Evans is ‘at her best when describing, blow by blow, the anticipation of cancer treatments and their aftermath.’

“Evans, a retired English teacher at Bradford Area High School, who is now in remission from ovarian cancer, is praised by Piana for her ‘honest and upbeat messaging and in her ability to talk directly to the reader.’

“About 1,400 copies of the book have been sold, with all gross proceeds donated to the Evans-Krivak Gynecological Cancer Research and Education Fund under the Pittsburgh Foundation. Susan, and her husband George, endowed the scholarship because ovarian cancer is the least-funded and least-known for symptoms among cancers. To date, about $120,000 has been raised from donations and book proceeds.

“Susan has spoken to more than 90 civic groups during the past two years to bring awareness of ovarian cancer known as the ‘silent killer’ among cancers. Last year, 14,000 deaths were reported out of the 22,000 cases diagnosed nationwide.

“Collaborating with Susan on the book is her doctor, Dr. Thomas C. Krivak, one of Pittsburgh’s leading gynecologists/oncologists.”

The review can be found at http://www.ascopost.com/issues/january-25-2017/an-ovarian-cancer-survivor-s-story/