Mother’s Sinus Infection Symptoms Turn Out to Be Cancer Diagnosis

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00:00Mother's sinus infection symptoms turn out to be cancer diagnosis.

00:04It started with a fever and a stuffy head,

00:07symptoms that anyone would mistake for a simple common cold, the flu,

00:11or perhaps a lingering sinus infection.

00:14When those symptoms persisted, however, and standard tests came back negative,

00:17a shocking diagnosis emerged, stage 3 ovarian cancer.

00:24In January, Jessica Gilbert began to feel off about her health.

00:29She had a low-grade fever and a stuffy head, prompting a visit to her primary care physician.

00:34Despite the symptoms being vague,

00:36the test results prompted her doctor to go to the emergency room for further evaluation.

00:43I think you have ovarian cancer, the ER doctor told Gilbert,

00:47who had no family history of the disease.

00:50Doctors at UC Medical Center went on to confirm the diagnosis.

00:54Stage 3 ovarian cancer.

00:55Gilbert immediately underwent a full hysterectomy and began chemotherapy,

01:00determined to fight the disease and use her experience to raise awareness.

01:07Recognizing these subtle signs is the most crucial step in improving survival rates,

01:12as there is currently no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in the general population.

01:16It is important to remember the mnemonic beat,

01:23bloating, eating difficulty, abdominal pain, and toilet changes.

01:27If a woman experiences these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks,

01:31she should consult a doctor, preferably a gynecological oncologist,

01:35and specifically ask if her symptoms could be related to ovarian cancer.

01:39All women have a risk of developing ovarian cancer,

01:45and certain specific factors increase the risk.

01:49Age, most cases occur in women over the age of 50.

01:52Women with known risk factors, especially genetic mutations,

01:56should discuss preventive strategies and screening options with their health care provider.

02:00Her core message is simple.

02:05Trust your instincts in knowing the symptoms.

02:08Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for ovarian cancer.

02:11And while there is no routine screening test,

02:14self-awareness of persistent changes in your body is the most effective tool available.

02:17For more information, visit www.fema.gov.uk