Legends Supporting Legends: Navratilova on Evert
- Tennis legend Chris Evert recently revealed she is undergoing treatment for stage 1C ovarian cancer, and her fellow tennis champion and cancer survivor, Martina Navratilova, has been vocal with her support.
- In April 2010, Navratilova went public with the news that she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, a noninvasive form of breast cancer. It was detected via mammogram.
- Ovarian cancer has been called “the cancer that whispers,” due to its hard-to-spot symptoms.
We are all with you and behind you Chrissie, you are a true champion and I have no doubt you will conquer this nasty opponent with nary a sweat! Xoxox https://t.co/G91wnUCRyU
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) January 15, 2022
Evert’s cancer was detected in early December 2021, when she had a preventative hysterectomy. She had her first of six rounds of chemotherapy this month. Evert’s younger sister died of ovarian cancer two years ago.
Evert and Navratilova are both former top tennis players, and sportswomen of high caliber, so it’s no wonder to see Navratilova voicing her support for Evert during her cancer battle.
Navratilova’s Breast Cancer Battle
Navratilova was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive form of breast cancer, in 2010. It was detected via mammogram, the screening method for breast cancer that looks for lumps and early signs of cancer in the body. In April 2010, the tennis champ went public with her health battle, shining a light on the importance of screening for breast cancer and getting mammograms.
When a person has DCIS, stage zero cancer, it means abnormal cells can be found in the breast milk duct and have become cancerous but have not yet metastasized or spread to other parts of the body. Navratilova’s cancer was removed via a lumpectomy, and she underwent radiation to treat her cancer as well.
Women aged 45 to 54 with an average risk of breast cancer should get mammograms annually. Speak with your doctor to schedule one if you're overdue for your mammogram.
Should I Have a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy?
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer has been called "the cancer that whispers," due to its hard-to-detect symptoms. Dr. Beth Karlan, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Medical Center, explains in an earlier interview, "What we've found from multiple studies, it's this constellation of symptoms," she said.
"If that's really happening and you're experiencing it every day, and they seem to be crescendo-ing, getting worse, even if that goes on for only two weeks, you should call your doctor."
Ovarian cancer symptoms may include:
- Feeling full earlier/decrease in appetite
- Feeling bloated
- Changes in bowel habits
- Pain in the pelvis
- Urinary symptoms, such as an urgent need to go
- Extreme fatigue
- Abdominal swelling
- Pain during sex
Ovarian Cancer: The Cancer That Whispers
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