Woman, 47, Shares Symptom That ‘Came Out of the Blue’ and Led to Her Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

**Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis: Teacher’s Unexpected Health Crisis Raises Awareness**

A 47-year-old teaching assistant from Coram, New York, is using her experience with stage 3 ovarian cancer to raise awareness about the disease, which is often overlooked in younger women. Cathy Brockhoff’s diagnosis followed a sudden episode of severe stomach pain that she initially dismissed as simple indigestion.

Brockhoff recounted how one morning, a persistent stomachache escalated to agonising levels, prompting her to seek immediate medical attention. She assumed that the discomfort would subside with a few antacids, but as the pain intensified, she realised the situation might be more serious. Her husband took her to the hospital, where an ultrasound eventually revealed a mass on her ovary, leading to the shocking diagnosis.

“This literally came out of the blue… It was very crazy,” Brockhoff shared in an interview with *Today*. She reflected on the overwhelming nature of her diagnosis, expressing that even three years later, the reality of having ovarian cancer still feels surreal. “It still makes your stomach drop,” she added, highlighting the ongoing emotional impact of her journey.

Interestingly, Brockhoff’s case is notable as ovarian cancer predominantly affects women aged 63 and older. According to Dr. Antoinette Sakaris, a gynecologic oncologist at Northwell South Shore University Hospital, Brockhoff’s diagnosis serves as an important reminder that the disease can occur in much younger women, especially when it’s least expected.

In the U.S., the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 21,010 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in 2026, with around 12,450 fatalities. Unfortunately, the symptoms of ovarian cancer are often subtle or absent in the early stages, which leads to a delayed diagnosis. Common signs include abdominal or pelvic pain, frequent urination, gastrointestinal disturbances, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount.

Following her diagnosis, Brockhoff underwent extensive medical treatment. This included surgery to remove the tumour, her ovaries, and uterus, as well as a portion of her colon. She then battled through six rounds of chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy. This October marks three years since her scans indicated no evidence of the disease, allowing her to reclaim her life post-treatment.

Today, Brockhoff is feeling well and aims to share her story to encourage other women to be vigilant about their health. “We often don’t take the time to realise when something feels off,” she advised. The pressures of juggling work and family can lead women to overlook persistent symptoms, but Brockhoff emphasised the need to prioritise one’s health.

“We’re always pushing forward and making excuses,” she stated. “It’s vital to listen to our bodies and respond appropriately. Ignoring signs could have serious consequences.” Her message serves as a critical reminder for all women to pay close attention to their bodies and seek medical advice when symptoms persist.

Cathy Brockhoff’s journey through ovarian cancer not only highlights the unpredictability of health but also stresses the importance of awareness and early intervention. As she continues to navigate her health and advocate for others, her story shines a light on an often misperceived reality, urging women everywhere to take charge of their wellbeing.