I came across Cure Our Ovarian when I first diagnosed. This was one of the first sites that I got referred to, to look for information on Ovarian cancer in NZ. They were founded in 2018, so relatively new, which also highlights how important it is to shine a light on this charity! They are the ONLY dedicated Ovarian Cancer charity here in Aotearoa.
If I can offer any advice ladies, it would be that you need to advocate for yourself. Know one else will do it. If you are in pain, or feeling like something isn't right- don't ignore it! Please DO NOT think you are being DRAMATIC! I had often googled and surfed the internet, wondering, why am I always bloated? Why do I get inflamed ovaries and an extremely sore stomach? Maybe I have endometriosis? Maybe it's normal? Maybe this is just part of being a woman? Well I can tell you right now, the answer is STOP with the maybes and googling and request a check up. Even if the Dr or health care person you see might imply you are being "overly cautious". Let me be your cautionary tale, never allow fear of embaressment be the reason you don't get checked. Hindsight is no way to live, here are some symptoms that you should not ignore and get checked:
Symptoms of gynaecological cancers
The symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, but signs and symptoms may include:
unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, especially after menopause
pain in your tummy (abdomen)
pain during sex
itchy skin around the opening to the vagina
difficulty peeing (passing urine)
changes in toilet habits
Having these symptoms does not always mean you have cancer, but it is important to get any changes checked by your doctor and not rely on Dr Google or your fear of looking silly stop you from investigating. Whats the worst that could happen? Turns out don't have cancer? It's just "woman stuff"? Well I'd be pretty happy if that was me!
Check out Cure Our Ovarian, and if you are worried, please get checked, it could save your life.
cureourovariancancer.org/nz
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