Tag

Self Advocacy

All articles tagged with #self advocacy

wellness20 days ago•18 min saved

Subtle Cancer Clues Doctors Say People Often Miss

Oncologists warn that cancer signs can be subtle and easily overlooked. Key indicators to watch for include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in urination or bowel habits, difficulty swallowing, new or changing skin spots, and night sweats. Because early diagnosis improves prognosis, seek medical evaluation for persistent or worrisome symptoms and advocate for yourself if your concerns aren’t addressed. Maintain regular cancer screenings (like mammograms and colonoscopies) and healthy lifestyle choices to lower risk.

via HuffPost|

#cancer #early-detection #screening

health27 days ago•12 min saved

Aging signs can mask ovarian cancer: Minnesota survivor’s warning

A Minnesota woman, Becky Drexler, learned the hard way that vague symptoms like urinary changes, bloating and hip pain can signal ovarian cancer rather than aging, after her best friend died from the disease; she was diagnosed at stage 3B in 2018, underwent surgery, six rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation, then took the PARP inhibitor Lynparza with years of no evidence of disease before a 2026 recurrence around her small intestine requiring further treatment; doctors note there’s no reliable routine screening for ovarian cancer at average risk, underscoring the need for self-advocacy and specialized gynecologic-oncology care to improve early detection and outcomes.

via Fox News|

#early-detection #health #ovarian-cancer

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Misdiagnosed as food poisoning, woman battles stage 3 colorectal cancer and becomes an advocate

A 41-year-old woman in the UK was told her GI issues were hemorrhoids/food poisoning, but after a positive FIT test and a March 2022 colonoscopy she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. She underwent chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the tumor, followed by an ileostomy and later its reversal. Three years cancer-free, she now works as a cancer rehabilitation specialist and urges others to self-advocate for timely diagnosis and treatment.

via New York Post|

#colorectal-cancer #fit-test #health

business1 month ago•4 min saved

Upgrade the label, empower your stance: a Dolly Parton-inspired trick for handling patronizing talk

The article presents a two-step “label upgrade” strategy for dealing with condescending remarks: (1) accept the label if it’s accurate, and (2) redefine what it means to turn that label into a source of strength. Using Dolly Parton’s famous Barbara Walters interview as a model, it shows how reframing terms like “hillbilly,” “inexperienced,” or “over the hill” can shift the narrative to pride, practical wisdom, fresh perspective, or customer insight, allowing you to stand up for yourself without conflict.

via CNBC|

#business #communication #dolly-parton

health1 month ago•7 min saved

Experts Flag Hidden Cancer Signals People Often Miss

Oncologists warn cancer diagnoses are rising and share commonly missed signs—unintended weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in urination or stool, trouble swallowing, new or changing skin spots, and night sweats—urging early medical evaluation, self-advocacy, ongoing cancer screenings, and lifestyle steps to lower risk.

via AOL.com|

#cancer #early-detection #health

health1 month ago•51 min saved

Tea choking episode uncovers throat cancer in 66-year-old dad

A 66-year-old man with over a year of swallowing difficulties choked on a cup of tea, passed out, and subsequent medical tests uncovered masses in his neck and throat, leading to a diagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer. His daughter says the choking episode was a blessing in disguise that finally yielded answers and urges others to push for answers when something feels wrong. He is set to undergo chemotherapy and possibly surgery, and a GoFundMe has been launched to fund a family trip to Cornwall before treatment.

via Yahoo|

#choking-incident #health #oropharyngeal-cancer

health1 month ago•13 min saved

When bloating isn’t just a nuisance: spotting gut health red flags

Bloating is common but can signal serious conditions like gastroparesis; the article follows Emily Karp’s journey to a diagnosis after seeing a gastroenterologist, highlighting the importance of listening to your body and tracking foods, symptoms, and stress to identify triggers. Seek medical advice if bloating is persistent or accompanied by ongoing pain, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, vomiting, or symptoms that don’t improve with lifestyle changes. Treatment may include medications, and patients are encouraged to advocate for themselves while avoiding unproven online gut-health products.

via KSL.com|

#bloating #gastroenterology #gastroparesis

advice2 months ago•16 min saved

Setting boundaries with neighbors over neurodiversity: practical steps to stay comfortable

A reader with autism describes facing persistent rude and dismissive comments from neighbors who label her as 'fidgety.' In Dear Eric, the columnist reassures that fidgeting is not a problem, that she doesn't owe explanations for her neurodiversity, and recommends practical coping strategies: use clearly visible headphones instead of earbuds, consider a visible badge or sign to signal how others should interact, and prioritize comfort to avoid sensory overload—empowering her to set boundaries without feeling forced to medicate.

via The Mercury News|

#advice #autism #neighbors

health3 months ago•64 min saved

When Doctors Didn’t Listen, She Read Her Own Scans and Found the Truth

A HuffPost health feature recounts how Aly Worsham, frustrated by doctors who dismissed her abdominal pain, downloaded a DICOM viewer and taught herself to read medical images. She eventually identified adenomyosis and related pelvic issues, endured multiple surgeries, and uncovered a pituitary tumor after years of silence and misdiagnosis, including a life-threatening meningitis/sepsis scare. The piece argues that gender bias and the health system’s gaps force many women to become their own radiologists and advocates, urging patients to seek second opinions and read their records to push for proper care.

via Yahoo|

#adenomyosis #health #misdiagnosis

health6 months ago•40 min saved

Misread Menopause, Diagnosed with Rectal Cancer at 42: A Mom’s Self-Advocacy Journey

A 42-year-old single mom from Columbia, S.C., endured months of weight loss and gut changes she initially blamed on perimenopause, only to be diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer—highlighting the rising incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults and the importance of self-advocacy and timely screening.

via Yahoo|

#colorectal-cancer #health #rectal-cancer

health7 months ago•8 min saved

Lili Reinhart's Yearlong Battle for Answers Turns Up Endometriosis

Lili Reinhart recounts a grueling year of misdiagnoses and invasive tests for persistent bladder and pelvic pain that were initially treated as infections, ultimately leading to laparoscopic surgery that confirmed endometriosis and adenomyosis. She describes the emotional toll, fertility concerns, and the pivotal role of advocating for herself and listening to women's pain, while highlighting the broader issue of how often women's symptoms are dismissed.

via ELLE|

#adenomyosis #chronic-pain #endometriosis

health7 months ago•4 min saved

Hidden Clues, Big Fight: A Mom Beats Stage 3 Rectal Cancer

Shannon Ivey, 42, was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer after months of symptoms she mistook for menopause, including rectal bleeding, pencil-thin stools, and a 26-pound weight loss. She underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, and is now cancer-free more than a decade later. The piece notes rising rectal cancer rates, especially among people under 50, and stresses self-advocacy and listening to one's body when symptoms appear.

via TODAY.com|

#colorectal-cancer #health #rectal-cancer

health9 months ago•9 min saved

Ignoring Medical Advice Nearly Cost Me My Life

A woman shares her harrowing experience of being dismissed by her doctor despite symptoms of a rare, aggressive cancer, highlighting issues of gender bias, systemic healthcare delays, and the importance of self-advocacy in medical care. Her story underscores the critical need for patients to persist in seeking timely diagnosis and treatment, especially for women and those with rare conditions.

via HuffPost|

#cancer-diagnosis #delayed-care #health

health9 months ago•13 min saved

Lessons Learned After a 5-Year Cancer Diagnosis Journey

Jackie Garcia's five-year journey to diagnose a large tumor highlights the challenges faced by women of color and plus-size women in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and addressing unconscious biases to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

via SELF Magazine|

#cancer-diagnosis-delay #health #medical-bias

health1 year ago•8 min saved

Cancer Patients Share Regret Over Overlooked Early Symptoms

The article highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of cancer through personal stories shared on Reddit, emphasizing that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. It encourages body awareness and proactive medical consultation when symptoms like unusual bleeding, persistent pain, or unexplained weight loss occur, to avoid late-stage diagnoses and improve survival chances.

via BuzzFeed|

#cancer #diagnosis #early-symptoms