Home / Health / She Was Told It Was 'Just a Woman Thing.' It Saved Her Life.
She Was Told It Was 'Just a Woman Thing.' It Saved Her Life.
29 Sep
Summary
- Vaginal bleeding at 37 led to a stage 1 ovarian cancer diagnosis.
- Subtle symptoms like weight loss and bleeding were initially ignored.
- Advocacy and knowing one's body are crucial for early detection.
Natalie May, an Australian papercraft expert, has become a prominent advocate for ovarian cancer awareness. In 2013, at the age of 37, she was diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer after experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding and weight loss.
Initially, her symptoms were dismissed, but May trusted her instincts and sought medical attention. This led to the discovery of a cyst on her ovary, which was suspected to be cancerous. Her swift action prevented the cancer from advancing to later stages.
May underwent surgery and chemotherapy, facing a challenging recovery that took months. She experienced the mental health toll of her diagnosis, including anxiety and depression.
Now in her 50s, May uses her workshops to educate women about the subtle signs of ovarian cancer. She stresses the importance of recognizing what is normal for one's own body, as cancer can develop for months if symptoms are overlooked.
