Feature story
Twins diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the same time speak out to spread awareness
MONDAY, September 27, 2021 (Today) — Identical twin sisters Teresa Swain and Lisa Simmons have done everything together. They were born holding hands and raised their families in identical houses. Now the sisters have a new shared life mission: to spread awareness about ovarian cancer as they both battle the disease.
Simmons was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 59 in May 2020 after noticing some unusual bloating and numbness. She had a massive tumor that filled her abdomen. Her sister was devastated.
After her sister’s diagnosis, Swain got herself checked out. At first, her results showed no cancer. She did discover that like her sister, she has a BRCA gene mutation….but then she noticed some unusual bloating, and she, like Simmons, was ultimately diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
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Preventing cancer during COVID, 24% missing crucial appointments
It’s being called a life-saving initiative in the face of COVID. Doctors and cancer experts are coming together in September and October, sharing a crucial message about cancer prevention.
FOX6 found why getting appointments back on the books is even more important now. We might be out of lockdown, but the fear of entering certain environments is still binding for some.
“We certainly know that the pandemic played a huge role in preventing women from getting in to see their doctors for a team visit,” said Dr. Angela Jones.
She says a survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation found the pandemic has affected women getting their important screening tests.
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