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My Ovarian Cancer Journey and What I Wish Every Woman Knew

  • Writer: Yusnimah
    Yusnimah
  • Sep 19, 2025
  • 3 min read


The Night It All Began

It was supposed to be just another night. Instead, I woke up to a wave of sharp abdominal pain that left me gasping. I told myself it might just be perimenopause, stress, or even something I ate - like I had so many times before when bloating and discomfort showed up.


But this night was different. By the time I reached the ER, doctors discovered a large ovarian cyst - one that had ruptured. That rupture was the moment my life took an unexpected turn.


From Cyst to Cancer

After the cyst was discovered, I felt something wasn’t right - my body was still in pain after the ER episode. I decided to seek a second opinion, which confirmed I needed surgery urgently, as the cyst was growing rapidly. During the procedure, a biopsy revealed stage 2 ovarian cancer, followed by a full hysterectomy and preventive chemotherapy. The road was far from easy, but I am grateful I listened to my body and acted quickly - early detection gave me a real chance to fight.


You can read the full story of how it all unfolded on my blog here: A Second Opinion, a Life Changing Discovery


Why Ovarian Cancer Is Hard to Catch

Unlike breast cancer (with mammograms) or cervical cancer (with Pap smears), there is no standard screening test for ovarian cancer. That makes awareness of the signs even more critical.


Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent bloating

  • Pelvic or abdominal pain

  • Feeling full quickly when eating

  • Needing to urinate often or urgently

These can be mistaken for digestive issues, stress, or hormonal changes which is why so many women (like me) overlook them.


Risk Factors You Should Know

Certain things can increase your risk:

  • Family history of ovarian or breast cancer

  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

  • Age (most common after menopause)

  • Endometriosis or history of infertility

But ovarian cancer can affect anyone. Listening to your body is key.


Awareness & Prevention

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, you can take steps to protect yourself:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

  • Know your family medical history.

  • Be aware of your body and persistent changes.

  • Discuss reproductive history and risk factors with your doctor.


Treatment & Recovery

Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the cancer and usually includes:

  • Surgery to remove the tumor and sometimes the ovaries

  • Chemotherapy (preventive or post-surgery)

  • In some cases, targeted therapy

Recovery is not just physical - emotional and mental support is critical. Support groups, therapy, and sharing your story can make a huge difference.


What Helped Me Move Forward

Trusting my instincts: Deep down, I knew something felt “off.”

Speaking up: Even when I felt like I might be overreacting, I asked questions.

Accepting support: From my medical team, loved ones, and other women who shared their stories.

Staying informed: Knowledge made the journey less terrifying and gave me back a sense of control.


My Message to You

If I could leave you with one thing, it’s this:

Don’t ignore persistent changes in your body. Even if you think it’s “just hormones” or “just stress,” check it out.

Be your own advocate. Push for answers. Ask for tests. You know your body better than anyone.

Ovarian cancer may be called the “silent killer,” but I believe stories like mine can help break that silence.


Useful Resources

International:

Singapore:

France:

"I’m sharing my story not to frighten, but to empower: knowing the signs can make all the difference. Early detection saved my life and it could save yours, too."


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