During an ultrasound, performed to verify the placement of my IUD, physicians discovered a 6.4 cm cyst on my right ovary. This led to weeks of fear, an eventual surgery, and the removal of my right ovary and fallopian tube. They also discovered endometrial fibroids and another cyst on my left ovary, which they were able to remove, saving my remaining ovary. It was a distressing journey, that could've been prevented had regular transvaginal ultrasounds been a part of my annual check-ups. Thankfully, I’m one of the fortunate ones and my cysts are believed to be benign. Help me stop allowing them to say there’s no early detector for ovarian cancer! There is! A simple, non-invasive ultrasound can detect and alert a physician to an abnormal growth on the ovaries leading to further testing as simple as lab work. Insurance agencies cover annual mammograms, why not ultrasounds too?

This incident is not an exception. Often, ovarian cysts and tumors remain undetected until they reach advanced stages, making them incredibly dangerous. Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, with a survival rate of less than 50% because it is often diagnosed in late stages (American Cancer Society, 2021).

As such, we passionately ask for the institution of a policy to require transvaginal ultrasounds as part of a woman’s annual well woman exams. This proactive measure can increase chances of early detection of ovarian cancer, potentially saving lives. Afford every woman the right to undergo these potentially life-saving tests routinely, as a part of their standard healthcare. Join us in this fight for women's health rights, sign the petition now. 

***You DO NOT have to donate money in order to sign the petition. Change.org receives the money, I do not. I appreciate every signature regardless of a donation. 

ocrahope.org [Photograph]