Ovarian Cancer Survivors Highlight Biomarker Testing and Equity Gaps for Black Women
核心洞察
Ovarian cancer (搜索) often presents without early symptoms and is frequently diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, when the disease has already spread, making early detection difficult.
Biomarker testing enables personalized treatment for specific ovarian cancer (搜索) subtypes, yet it was unavailable to patients diagnosed over a decade ago.
Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and face poorer outcomes, with advocates citing underrepresentation in resources and clinical trials as key barriers.
Ovarian cancer (搜索) is a disease that frequently evades early detection, often producing no symptoms in its initial stages and leading to diagnosis only after the cancer has already advanced. Two survivor accounts underscore both the clinical challenges of this malignancy and the persistent disparities faced by Black women in diagnosis, treatment, and representation.
The Challenge of Late Detection
Ovarian cancer (搜索), a type of harmful growth in the ovaries, typically does not present symptoms in its early stages. As a result, it is difficult to detect and is often diagnosed in stage 3 or stage 4, when the cancer has already spread. Dr. Margena A. Christian, a professor emeritus and former director of internships at the University of Illinois Chicago, described her own experience after being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer on June 5, 2025.
Dr. Christian noted that just six months before her diagnosis she had undergone a yearly pap smear, but this type of cancer cannot be detected without scans that are not typically part of a routine gynecological exam. Aside from weight loss due to decreased appetite, she experienced no notable symptoms. Her diagnosis ultimately followed an emergency room visit, where a mass on her ovary had caused her blood to clot, triggering weakness and a racing heart.
The Role of Biomarker Testing in Personalized Care
Valisia LeKae, a Broadway performer who portrayed Diana Ross in Motown the Musical, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer (搜索) at age 34. Her diagnosis came after a small endometrioma—a type of ovarian cyst caused by endometriosis (搜索)—suddenly grew and required removal. Pathology revealed clear cell carcinoma (搜索), stage one, an aggressive form of the disease.
LeKae emphasized the importance of biomarker testing, which was not available when she began treatment more than a decade ago. "Biomarker testing is one of the ways through which you can find a personalized treatment for your particular type of ovarian cancer (搜索)," she said. "Biomarkers are biological clues to help your doctor understand your cancer and the treatment plan that is for you."
She encourages women to raise the topic early and to view their care as a partnership. "Care really begins with conversation and collaboration," she said. "Together you can come up with a treatment plan that is best for you."
Disparities Facing Black Women
Both survivors highlighted the disproportionate burden of ovarian cancer (搜索) on Black women. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and have poorer outcomes. LeKae observed that access shapes these disparities: "Accessibility allows you to have knowledge. Knowledge gives you power. Power gives you the ability to have those conversations in the doctor's office."
She also noted a striking absence of representation in patient resources. "There were no women of color, Black women particularly, in the resource material on websites," she said. This gap motivated her transition from performer to advocate, driven by a desire for young Black women to see themselves in these conversations and to feel represented and supported.
Treatment Journeys and Remission
Dr. Christian's treatment involved a major surgery to remove the cancer, followed by six aggressive rounds of chemotherapy. She described the paradox of chemotherapy as a treatment that would save her life while risking her quality of life, including a possible side effect of neuropathy—nerve damage that threatened her ability to grip a pen or type. To prevent this, she wore ice mittens on her hands and feet during each treatment. Today, she reports no evidence of disease and remains healthy.
LeKae sought a second opinion to confirm her treatment plan before undergoing surgery, in which her ovary and right fallopian tube were removed, followed by chemotherapy that began on New Year's Eve. "I was declared no evidence of disease in remission that April," she said. "I am very grateful, honored and blessed to say that I have been in remission almost 13 years."
Advocacy and Industry Partnership
LeKae has partnered with AbbVie (搜索) on the Faces of Ovarian Cancer (搜索) campaign, which highlights real stories of ovarian cancer and encourages women to seek care earlier and feel supported throughout their diagnosis. She points to the evolving treatment landscape, noting that "Seventy percent of women become resistant to standard chemotherapy. Having a biomarker test can allow you to find out something other than that."
She also stresses the importance of clinical trials and representation, affirming that "Every woman deserves to feel heard, validated and seen." Her message to Black women facing the disease is one of reassurance: "Breathe first, and everything else will take place. You have everything you need to navigate this journey. You are deserving of love, care, and support."