A Silent Alarm
Ovarian cancer. It launches in silence, creeps with a whisper and advances with a roar. It hid in the recesses of my belly, spreading in secret until a palpable mass emerged.
No test screens for ovarian cancer. Under cover of darkness, the cancer cells multiply. Clusters of malignant cells split off from the mother ship, drifting on the sea of peritoneal fluid. They dock on nearby organs, offload their destruction and invade healthy tissue.
It is time to sound the alarm.
Today is designated the Ovarian Cancer Day of Silence—a day to raise awareness about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Today, let us be silent and listen…
Listen to our bodies for the symptoms of ovarian cancer:
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis, abdomen or lower back
- Abdominal bloating or a sense of feeling full
- Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas or indigestion
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
Today as we listen in silence to our bodies, let us not forget those who are battling this disease.
Today let us remember the women permanently silenced by ovarian cancer.
Today let us sound the silent alarm.
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