Shabnam Gujadhur

At the age of 30, it never crossed my mind that I would face one of my greatest challenges. On 23rd March 2022, I was given the diagnosis of endometriosis and ovarian cancer, the latter two words which completely changed my life and prompted me to re-examine priorities in life. As I navigated through this ovarian cancer diagnosis, with a gamut of feelings, part of me had this fierce desire to ‘do something’. For me that meant sharing my story, to not only help me heal and build self-acceptance but also to help others by spreading awareness about ovarian cancer – a silent killer and an ignored killer.

As both a doctor and as a woman with ovarian cancer, I wanted to use my voice more poignantly, to raise funds for future research for an early detection test and to enhance treatment options. It is definitely scary, but I hope that the empowerment and connection achieved at the end of journey would be worth this act of courage. These goals of mine gave me a drive when my life seemed derailed. I started reading more about ovarian cancer and stories of women impacted by ovarian cancer. I subsequently reached out to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, realising that their vision and goals intersected with mine.


Each one of us will experience life changing events in many different ways. Regardless of what this may look like, it will leave one somehow uncertain about what to do next. Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer was for me my life-changing experience and that feeling when I first learn that I was sick, is still lingering deep inside. Now, while I’m a doctor by trade, I am far from being a gifted teller of tales. My story is not here to pull every string in your heart to make you cry, but I hope it will be heard and shared; I hope it will make each one of you reading this today realize that you are not alone in your vulnerabilities; and I hope it will assist with the raising of funds for the future of ovarian cancer