Manitobans bringing awareness to ovarian cancer

Jennifer Graham's journey through multiple cancer diagnoses highlights the challenges and importance of awareness surrounding ovarian cancer.

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After pathology results came back, it showed that I also had ovarian cancer and that was a huge surprise

Graham, a Winnipeg resident, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, followed by endometrial cancer in 2025. A total hysterectomy was performed for the endometrial cancer, which unexpectedly revealed a simultaneous ovarian cancer diagnosis. "After pathology results came back, it showed that I also had ovarian cancer and that was a huge surprise," Graham said.

Ovarian cancer affects approximately 3,000 Canadian women annually and is notoriously difficult to detect early. Gynecologic oncologist Dr. Lesley Roberts explained that "the early stages of ovarian cancers are undetectable. We have no screening tools, they’re asymptomatic. We don’t usually identify and detect ovary cancer until later in the stage." This often leads to a relatively poor five-year overall survival rate of about 45%.

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The early stages of ovarian cancers are undetectable. We have no screening tools, they’re asymptomatic. We don’t usually identify and detect ovary cancer until later in the stage

Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be vague and easily dismissed, including changes in appetite, nausea, bloating, and constipation. These mild symptoms can persist, leading to delayed diagnosis. Ovarian Cancer Canada reports that the survival rate has seen little improvement over the past 50 years, attributing this to a "chronic underinvestment in ovarian cancer research."

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That unfortunately means that the five year overall survival for ovarian cancer is relatively poor, about 45 per cent

Both Dr. Roberts and Tania Vrionis, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Canada, are calling for increased research and innovation. Roberts specifically urged the government to expedite drug approval processes for medications not yet available in Canada. In the meantime, survivors and medical professionals encourage women to advocate for their health. "As women, we sometimes minimize our symptoms," Graham advised. "I think if anyone can hear my story, to be inspired to take that step and make an appointment. If you are feeling symptoms for more than two weeks, these are things you need to check out with your primary care physician."

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Change in appetite, maybe a little but of nausea, some bloating, constipation. Very mild things that people tend to dismiss but it continues and continues