GREENSBORO, N.C. — Nearly 20,000 women in our country will end up with ovarian cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Cone Health doctors say knowing your risk factors is important for prevention.
WFMY News 2's Sydni Moore spoke with a Greensboro woman navigating life after being diagnosed.
At 69 years old, Jo Marsom has a zest for life.
"We’ve hiked 200 miles on the Appalachian Trail. We've walked the Grand Canyon seven times and done two river trips," Marsom said.
She said her husband stands ready to book a trip.
"I have to be very careful with what I say because if I say 'Oh that sounds like something fun to do,' next thing I know he’s already made reservations to do it," Marsom said.
Living life to the fullest is important for the Marsom family, especially after learning Jo was diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
"I have to treat it like a chronic illness," said Marsom.
Marsom was next to her doctor at Cone Health's Cancer Center when she heard the words stage three ovarian cancer.
"They could see that I had growth on both my ovaries," Marsom said.
Before the diagnosis, she remembered feeling bloated. Dr. Mary Miller a gynecologist with Cone Health said this symptom is common.
"The symptoms are easy to confuse with GI issues and that's one of the reasons why ovarian cancer is hard to diagnosis and tend to be at a later stage with diagnosis," said Dr. Miller.
Miller said weight loss and pelvic discomfort are other symptoms and the risk of a woman being diagnosed is 1 in 87.
"It's definitely a disease of women later in life and there are some genetic components. At least 10% of ovarian cancers have a genetic link so knowing your family history and talking about it with your provider are very important," Miller said.
Marsom went through three to four rounds of chemotherapy, at one point she didn't have much energy so family and friends would come visit her in her library room.
"People would come by and give me flowers and food," Marsom said.
The library room, which is connected to her home, was and is her safe space.
"When I was going through my treatment and everything this chair over there is where I would sit," Marsom said.
The room will forever hold a special place in her heart where she would not only accept visitors but read every day.
"I could just read and I would go away. I wouldn’t be here anymore and it would be so good. "
Unfortunately the chemotherapy wasn't a success and progressed after being told she was platinum resistant. She now still lives with cancer but her doctor's at Cone Health have supported her every step of the way.
"Dr. Tucker she is great. She always stays updated on the new treatments at the cancer center," Marsom said.
She said she is being managed with an anti-estrogen pill and gets check ups every three months. She also makes sure she sticks to a healthy diet, spend time with loved ones and read in her favorite room.
"I’m going to stay positive about it and I’m going to do a lot of fun things," Marsom said.