When Sarah Thompson lost her mother to a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, she never imagined she would face the same devastating diagnosis years later. Now, she’s sharing her story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
A Heartbreaking Legacy
Sarah’s mother passed away at just 52 after a short battle with ovarian cancer. The disease progressed so rapidly that by the time it was detected, treatment options were limited. Years later, Sarah began experiencing similar symptoms—bloating, fatigue, and abdominal pain—but initially dismissed them as stress-related.
The Shocking Diagnosis
After persistent discomfort, Sarah visited her GP, who referred her for tests. The results confirmed her worst fear: she had the same rare and aggressive ovarian cancer that had claimed her mother’s life. "I felt like history was repeating itself," Sarah recalls. "But I was determined to fight."
Recognising the Symptoms
Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because its symptoms can be vague and easily overlooked. Key warning signs include:
- Persistent bloating
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary changes
Fighting for Awareness
Sarah is now advocating for greater awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms, particularly in women with a family history of the disease. "If I’d known what to look for, I might have caught it earlier," she says. "No one should have to go through what my mum did."
The Importance of Early Detection
Medical experts stress that early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. Women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer should discuss genetic testing with their GP, as they may be at higher risk.
Sarah’s message is clear: "Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, push for answers. It could save your life."
