Kari Neumeyer, a 44-year-old writer from the Pacific Northwest, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in April 2020 after a growth in her navel was biopsied by a dermatologist. The diagnosis revealed tumors in both ovaries and a third in the abdomen, despite Neumeyer having attended an awareness walk and undergoing regular Pap smears and mammograms in the decade prior.
Medical professionals and the American Cancer Society note that ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect early because its symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Common signs include bloating, frequent urination, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits. These symptoms are frequently attributed to other issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, or menopause, leading to delays in diagnosis until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
Following her diagnosis, Neumeyer underwent three chemotherapy infusions, which her oncologist reported were not as effective as hoped due to the rare subtype of the disease, low-grade serous ovarian cancer. In June 2020, she underwent surgery to remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, omentum, and 10 inches of her colon. While her follow-up scans have shown no evidence of residual disease, the condition is considered a chronic illness with a likelihood of recurrence.
For the individuals diagnosed annually, the day-to-day impact involves managing symptoms that can be mistaken for minor digestive or menstrual issues. Once diagnosed, patients face treatments such as chemotherapy and major surgeries that remove multiple reproductive and digestive organs. Because the disease is often managed as a chronic illness, patients navigate the potential for recurrence even after successful initial treatment.
The lack of reliable early-detection tools means that medical professionals currently rely on patients reporting specific symptoms. Neumeyer’s gynecologic oncologist recommended that patients experiencing persistent symptoms specifically ask their doctors, "Do you think it could have something to do with my ovaries?" Moving forward, advocates and patients emphasize the need for expanded research into both a reliable screening test and more effective treatments.