I am your daughter, sister, mother, wife, lover, grandmother, aunt, cousin, life-long friend.
I am your acquaintance, coworker, teammate, coach, nurse, neighbour.
I am a woman.
All women are at risk of developing ovarian cancer.
But one has a higher risk if they are: over 50 years of age; have an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes; are of Northern European and/or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage; have a family history of ovarian, breast, uterine or colorectal cancer; have never been pregnant.
I have ovarian cancer. Through genetic testing it was found I also carry the BRCA 1 gene.
If one inherits the BRCA 1 or 2 gene there is a 50 per cent chance their siblings have as well, and people who have the mutant gene have a 50 per cent chance passing it to their children.
The signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague, non-specific and can be mistakenly attributed to other causes. These symptoms: bloating, feeling full quickly when eating, discomfort or pain in the pelvic or abdominal areas and urinary frequency or urgency can also be experienced by women without the disease. If these symptoms persist for three weeks or longer you should speak with your doctor.
Ovarian cancer doesn’t seem to be on many radar screens.
It’s because of this fact that I want to try to educate people, and it is because there is no screening test or ‘cure’, that I want to raise money for ovarian cancer research by participating in The Ride to Conquer Cancer.
All monies raised by me, and my son Kip Shortreed who is joining me for this year’s ride, will go towards ovarian cancer research.
The ride is on Aug. 24 and 25. Starting in Vancouver, overnighting in Chilliwack and ending in, and with — hope.
Please support me.
Go to www.conquercancer.ca/goto/carolinesolonenko2019
Caroline Solonenko
Squamish
