Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to symptoms and early detection

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention to a cancer that can be difficult to catch early because many of its symptoms can feel like common, everyday health problems.

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. For Megan Geier, the first signs started with bloating and stomach problems.

Geier says she dealt with digestive issues for nearly two years. At first, she thought they could be connected to food or another less serious problem. But the bloating continued, and eventually the pain became difficult to ignore.

“It wasn’t until all of those symptoms hit me at once that I was like, okay, this is something that I can’t just overlook,” Geier said.

While on a family vacation, Geier eventually went to the emergency room. Doctors found her ovaries looked abnormal and ordered additional testing. Geier was just 28 years old when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“I remember just kind of like freezing because cancer wasn’t even on my mind at all,” she said.

Geier says she was alone when doctors first explained what was happening.

“I didn’t even know what to ask because I know nothing about cancer. Besides, that’s something that other people get, not me,” Geier said.

Dr. Noah Rodriguez, a gynecologic oncologist with Kaiser Permanente Orange County, says the average age at diagnosis is about 63. Rodriguez says ovarian cancer can also be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may be confused with gastrointestinal problems.

Symptoms

Some symptoms can include persistent abdominal bloating or swelling, needing to urinate more often and changes in appetite.

Rodriguez says if those symptoms continue for more than about two weeks, it is important to talk with a doctor. There is also no routine screening test for ovarian cancer.

“A Pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. Pap smear is for cervical cancer,” Rodriguez said.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 21,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.

For Geier, treatment moved quickly. At one point, she was preparing to begin chemotherapy.

“He was saying after the weekend we would start chemo. And so I was preparing myself for that,” Geier said.

But the treatment plan changed. One year ago, Geier underwent surgery to remove the tumors. Now 29, she continues to get regular scans.

Little Red Collection and moving forward

Outside of her cancer journey, Geier is a dance teacher, actor and choreographer. She also runs Little Red Collection, a personal care and beauty business she started before her diagnosis. The business includes handmade products such as bar soaps, natural lip balms, perfumes, bug repellent and lotion bars.

Geier says she started the brand with a focus on simple ingredients and personal care products she would feel comfortable using herself. After her diagnosis, she says having the business already established gave her a familiar outlet during a stressful period of appointments, treatment and recovery.

“Because I had already had that and I already fell into a groove with that, then I just kept getting more excited about making more products,” Geier said.

She says she continues experimenting with new products, including moisturizers, lotions and face masks, while focusing on self-care.

Little Red Collection can be found on Instagram and Facebook. Geier also sells at pop-up events around the Inland Empire, and some of her products are available at EastBrew Cafe in Eastvale.

Today, Geier is back to teaching, performing and running her business. She is also using her experience to encourage other women to ask questions and seek medical care when something does not feel right.

“Definitely go get seen, ask questions, and don’t just take ‘oh, that’s weird’ as an answer,” Geier said. “Things shouldn’t have to get worse in order for you to know what’s going on.”

Rodriguez also recommends knowing your family history, particularly whether relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, and paying attention to symptoms that continue or keep coming back.