A Conversation That Matters

There was a time not very long ago, when as a society, we were uncomfortable talking about breast cancer. Like many other cancers, it was a mystery. A radical mastectomy was the usual course of treatment, and it was invasive - barbaric even. But as patients, women did not question their doctors or the prescribed treatments. But it wasn't effective, as nearly a third of the patients had their cancer return because more than likely, it had metastasized elsewhere before they had ever been treated. The lumpectomy emerged as the preferred treatment option for women whose cancer was more localized. By the mid 1980's research proved that the radical mastectomy produced no better result than the lumpectomy, and breast cancer patients became the driving force to demand changes in breast cancer treatment protocol.

In the thirty years since that study, breast cancer has become the most talked about of all the cancers. And the awareness has been brought about by patients, their doctors, their caregivers, and their family, friends and coworkers. Amazing new treatments and preventative diagnostic tests have made breast health an indispensable part of women's health care. The pink ribbon has evolved from a symbol of strength and solidarity to one of the most recognized symbols of health awareness and fundraising in the world - non profit and for profit.

But not all women's cancers are 'pink'.

September is National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. And like breast cancer some forty or so years ago, we are reluctant and embarrassed to talk about these 'below the belt' cancers. We don't want to talk about our vaginas, ovaries, uteri or any other girly parts. Unfortunately, this reluctance is literally killing us. Every day in the United States, 270 women are told they have a gynecologic cancer. That's 8,100 newly diagnosed women by the end of September. And sadly, 1 in every 3 will die from their disease.

The problem is WE DON’T KNOW. I can't tell you how many times a gyn cancer SurTHIVEor has told me 'I didn't know I was having symptoms'. Hell, I can't tell you how many time I'VE said that! My ovarian and uterine cancer symptoms were things I experienced on a regular basis - bloating, back ache, indigestion. Had any of my gynecologists or general practitioners EVER had a conversation with me about gynecologic cancers other than cervical cancer?

NO. And that needs to change.

It's time to start a conversation that matters - it's time to talk about gynecologic cancers. It's time to stop being embarrassed about our girly parts and to start asking questions. It's time to hold our doctors to a higher level, and to become proactive participants in our healthcare. It's time to become our own advocates, and just like our breast cancer SurTHRIVEor sisters decades ago, DEMAND CHANGE.

This September, I am taking my gyn cancer advocacy to the next level by joining the newly created and SurTHRIVEor driven #GynCAN Challenge – and posting to all of my social media accounts every day this month in an effort to raise gynecologic cancer awareness. I am challenging my followers to do the same. Together we can initiate the change we so desperately need.