One of the most valuable pieces of advice cancer survivors have shared with SurvivorNet is to listen to your body, because you know it better than anyone. For one young mom, insisting something was wrong just wasn’t enough, as doctors kept blaming COVID-19. They were wrong.
Beth Pattison, a 27-year-old breast cancer survivor, visited her doctor in March due to a cough she had been experiencing for unknown reasons. Her physician stated that the cough was likely due to COVID-19, as cases were spreading. However, Pattison still wanted answers so she consulted with an oncologist about her symptoms who ended up reiterating that it was likely COVID-19.
Read MoreDr. Elizabeth Comen says it’s important cancer screenings continue amid COVID-19
Advice From Survivors: “Listen To Your Body”
When it comes to recognizing possible symptoms of cancer, it’s important to advocate for yourself and push your doctor for answers. Lisa Mitchell had all the symptoms of ovarian cancer back pain, bloating, and irregular bleeding but her doctor kept brushing her off and saying she was “too young” to be diagnosed. However, Lisa insisted her doctor continue looking, and it turned out she had stage 3c ovarian cancer.
Lisa’s experience made her realize how important it is to advocate for yourself as a patient, especially since many people may not push for more answers because they want their doctor to like them.
Related: I Wanted My Doctor To Like Me, Then He Missed My Breast Cancer
“It’s very possible that had I not been persistent with the doctors and getting someone to listen to me, that I would not be here right now,” Lisa says. “Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. You know your body; listen to it. Follow your intuition. I'm doing great, I'm a 6-year survivor, and I'm thriving.”
Ovarian cancer survivor Lisa Mitchell on the importance of advocating for yourself
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.