Clearity Perspective: When people like Connie share their ovarian cancer experience, it helps others learn about resources and feel less alone. Connie speaks about how she benefitted from Clearity’s Steps Through OC program by receiving personalized Ovarian Cancer Counseling. Clearity also offers one-on-one consultations with our Scientific Team to discuss treatment options, including clinical trials, which can be especially helpful to those, like Connie, with a rare subtype such as LGSOC.
Connie Bell’s ovarian cancer experience is both familiar and rare. Like many people with ovarian cancer, she knew something was wrong, but it took a while to be diagnosed. Her symptoms of pelvic pain and changes to her period could be related to a number of things. When Connie’s symptoms worsened, her Ob-Gyn ordered a transvaginal ultrasound which showed something concerning on her left ovary. After a referral to a gynecologic oncologist, she had surgery and the pathology report indicated stage 3C low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), a rare subtype.
At 36, ovarian cancer was not initially high on the list to rule out. However, LGSOC is more common in young women. The average age of people newly diagnosed with LGSOC is 45 while the more common form of ovarian cancer is found primarily in people age 63 or older.1
Connie worked as a health educator, so she was keenly aware of how important it was to understand her diagnosis and treatment. She knew she had to ask questions and advocate for herself, especially when her treatment caused challenging side effects. She also reached out for support to help manage the emotional impacts of her diagnosis. She participated in Clearity’s Steps Through OC program and received one-on-one Ovarian Cancer Counseling. Connie says, “It was such a relief to talk to someone who was so familiar and focused on ovarian cancer. I didn’t have to give context to explain things, my OC Counselor just got it. That’s why I was so drawn to Clearity and this service.”
It’s been almost 2 years since Connie’s surgery and initial treatment. She has become an active advocate for people with LGSOC, raising awareness about options and resources for those impacted by this rare type of ovarian cancer. She has been the subject of articles in Everyday Health and Brandpoint, sharing her experience and helping others with LGSOC feel less alone. Connie says, “The community of people with LGSOC is a small enough that it seems like everyone knows each other and it feels good to share information.”
1 American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html