Emily shows how to BEAT the ‘silent killer’ afflicting women

The cancer is normally associated with post-menopausal women but Emily McArthur was just 25 when she was diagnosed.

But early treatment, 12 operations, 50 hours of chemotherapy over three years and persistence in dealing with doctors paid off.

Emily, aged 32, of Highland Road, north Leamington, went on to have two daughters naturally, despite a recurrence of the cancer and a fear she would be left infertile.

Now the mum of Molly, aged three, and Tess, one, is taking part in the Teal Tips campaign run by ovarian cancer support charity Ovacome’s and wearing teal-coloured nail varnish this month to highlight the condition.

Emily said: “Your body tells you if something is not right and keep going to the doctor’s if you still feel it’s not right – you have to be persistent.”

Alarm bells starting ringing for Emily after suffering months of severe abdominal pain and at first being told it was a kidney infection.

She had a number of ovarian cysts removed but in February 2006 she was told she had ovarian cancer.

“We did not have any children and Justin and I were just planning our wedding.

“I remember feeling more upset when they told me the treatment could make me infertile than actually being told I had ovarian cancer.”

Treatment for that ended in October 2006 but then Emily had to deal with the news that it had returned by the following April.

“It was a very hard time because with recurring cancers the statistics are not great and I started to think ‘Will I ever be able to get rid of it?’

“I was warned they might have to do a hysterectomy but thankfully they were able to remove it without taking out the womb.”

She started a second course of chemo which finished in January 2008 and when she was told she was pregnant she felt she had turned the corner.

“It felt like a miracle. I already felt lucky because the cancer had been caught early but to find out I was pregnant was brilliant.”

Ovacome has come up with BEAT, an easy to remember acronym of the main symptoms: B is for bloating that does not come and go; E is for eating less and feeling fuller quicker; A is for abdominal pain and T is for telling your GP.

Emily said: “I know how vital raising awareness of ovarian cancer is, particularly among younger women.

“Before I became ill I knew very little about the disease, except that it was called the ‘silent killer’.

“But ovarian cancer does have symptoms and if enough people shout about them it could really save lives.

“Painting your nails as part of the Teal Tips campaign is a great way not just to raise awareness, but also raise money for much needed research – and it looks good too.”

Emily’s experience can be found at emilymcarthur.blogspot.co.uk which also has links to Ovacome.