Full Circle Pelvic Health

Personalized Pelvic Health for Women & Men

Early Diagnosis Saves Lives: What I Wish My Doctors Had Done Differently

a nurse and patient doing handshake

When I first started noticing subtle changes in my body— pelvic discomfort, and a sense that something just wasn’t right—I went to the professionals I trusted: my doctors. I explained my concerns clearly that these symptoms were new for me and concerning. Yet, instead of being taken seriously, I was reassured that my symptoms were “probably related to changes from menopause” or that they were simply musculoskeletal.

Seven months later, I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. By then, it was at a much later stage than it might have been had my concerns been fully investigated earlier.

That experience has stayed with me, not only as a patient but as someone who wants other women to have a better chance at early detection. Early diagnosis doesn’t just mean treatment starts sooner—it can mean more years with your family, more holidays, more memories. It can mean life.

What My Doctors Missed

Looking back, my symptoms were vague—however “vague” symptoms are classic signs of ovarian cancer. In my case;

  • Only occasional bloating but abdominal changes that didn’t go away.
  • Pelvic or lower abdominal pain that felt unusual and worse after sex.
  • Urinary urgency (not frequency) that wasn’t explained by infection.
  • Only occasional changes in appetite, feeling full quickly.
  • Pulling sensation felt deep in the pelvic/rectal areas after heavy lifting or gardening

But because these can mimic menopause, IBS, or even pelvic organ prolapse, they were brushed aside. The problem wasn’t just the overlap of symptoms—it was the assumption that my complaints weren’t serious or clear enough to warrant a deeper look.

What Could Have Been Done Differently

I don’t expect every doctor to immediately think “ovarian cancer” off the top. But there were reasonable steps that could have been taken:

  • Ordering an ultrasound or Cat-scan when symptoms persisted.
  • Running CA-125 blood tests as part of ruling things out.
  • Connecting the dots between multiple, repeated complaints instead of addressing them in isolation.
  • Referring to a specialist when symptoms didn’t resolve.

These are not extraordinary measures—they are part of good medical care. Listening deeply and taking patterns seriously can mean the difference between catching cancer early or diagnosing it too late.

What I Want to Encourage Other Women to Do

If you’re experiencing changes that feel unusual, don’t minimize them. If something feels off, don’t stop at “It’s probably menopause” or “Let’s watch and wait.” Here are examples of questions I wish I had asked

Questions you can use in the room

  • “What diagnosis are you considering, and what could we be missing?”
  • “Which tests will confirm or rule out those possibilities?”
  • “What’s the timeline for the next step and follow-up?”
  • “If I’m not better by [date], what’s our next move?” – MY FAVORITE FROM NOW ON!

Leave each visit with one of two things:

1) A concrete answer

  • A named working diagnosis (or top 2–3 possibilities)
  • What needs to be or has been ruled out and how
  • Why this diagnosis fits your symptoms

2) A concrete plan

  • Exactly which tests are next (e.g., transvaginal ultrasound, CA-125 if appropriate) and when they’ll be done,
  • Specific follow-up timing (e.g., “We’ll review results within 1–2 weeks”),
  • Clear safety-net instructions (“If pain escalates, swelling worsens, or new symptoms appear, contact X or go to Y”),
  • Escalation path if symptoms persist (e.g., referral to gynecology or a specialist)

If you don’t get a concrete answer or a concrete plan, don’t settle—ask for a second opinion or change settings (different clinician, clinic, or system). Your life is worth the extra steps.

A Message for Healthcare Providers

Words matter. Dismissing a patient’s concerns with “It’s just stress” or “That’s normal for your age” can delay critical diagnoses. Instead, try:

  • “I hear your concerns. Let’s look deeper.”
  • “These symptoms can overlap, but I don’t want to overlook anything important.”
  • Most importantly; “You know your own body better than anyone, let’s figure this out”

Simple validation paired with thoughtful action could save a life.

I can’t change what happened to me. But by sharing my story, I hope to spark awareness—for patients to advocate more fiercely, and for healthcare providers to listen more deeply. For me, it’s still a work in progress and I am still finding my village.

In Health,

Melissa Nassaney

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