More often than not, the personal stories around ovarian cancer follow a theme of too little, too late. That is, slight, hardly recognisable symptoms lead to a misdiagnosis and as a result, a late diagnosis. These late diagnoses are too a reminder, that too little funds have been funnelled into ovarian cancer research programs from government health budgets, as ovarian cancer continues year after year, to be the most lethal gynaecological cancer.
Despite having her own lived experience with ovarian cancer, Candice Hung (pictured) feels extremely blessed. The Melbourne leadership coach and mother of two is one of the rare few who had their ovarian cancer detected early, by complete chance.
In 2017, Candice and her husband Andy were undergoing fertility treatment to deal with secondary infertility – a condition where Candice was unable to become pregnant after previously giving birth to their daughter, Misia, in 2011. During a routine scan as part of treatment, doctors noticed something strange. A subsequent MRI scan incorrectly showed there was nothing to be concerned about.
Candice decided to proceed with laparoscopic surgery to help her conceive and this is when her surgeon ‘accidentally’ found a rare type of ovarian cancer.
The diagnosis was a shock, but before long, the now OCRF Ambassador realised that she was one of the lucky ones.
Early diagnosis and the fact that the cancer hadn’t spread meant Candice only lost one ovary and did not need additional treatment like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. After recovering, she became pregnant naturally with her son Micah, now three.
Candice Hung and her family.
“Eight months later, my whole body had reset,” Candice says. “If we hadn’t pursued having another baby, they would not have discovered the tumour, and I may not be here today. Micah literally saved my life.”
Candice, now 41, knows that her cancer could have easily gone undetected. She had no obvious symptoms, and her family had no history of ovarian cancer.
About 70 per cent of women diagnosed are at an advanced stage – the result of no early detection test available. Sadly only 29 per cent of them survive beyond five years.
Detecting ovarian cancer shouldn’t be a random event for the ‘lucky’ few. Every woman deserves the same opportunity I had"
Candice wants to improve awareness around the critical need for early detection. She also wants to share her story about faith, hope and having a new beginning.
Before her 2017 diagnosis, Candice was a relationship banker and leadership coach, and Andy worked as a tax lawyer. They both volunteered with young people at Clayton Church of Christ for over 20 years.
Her cancer journey was not easy, but Candice says it was the catalyst to live more authentically and boldly, and help others do the same.
She and Andy now volunteer at Neuma East Church, and in 2020, Candice started her own leadership coaching business, Lucid Leadership.
“For me, I realised I’ve been given a second chance in life, so I want to use it wisely,” she says. “I’m now doing something that I’m really passionate about. I’m living with purpose, and I love making a positive impact in other people’s lives. I have a new lease on life. It’s even better now.”
Most of all, Candice and Andy are grateful that their children will grow up with their mother around. “I grew up without my mum, so I know how it feels to have that missing from my life.
“I know that I am extremely lucky that they picked up the cancer so early as it was such a random find,” she says. “Detecting ovarian cancer shouldn’t be a random event for the ‘lucky’ few. Every woman deserves the same opportunity I had.
This is why an early detection test is so important."
Candice Hung is one of the lucky ones, but as the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation always says, survival shouldn’t come down to luck.
On February 6th 2022, Candice and her husband Andy, completed a 30km walk from Safety Beach to Sorrento as part of the Walk With Women event hosted by the OCRF. The walk was founded by the wonderful and vivacious OCRF Ambassador Helen Powell, who sadly passed from the disease in February 2020.
Candice’s fundraising page has raised more than $7,500 and continues to grow.
How can you help? Donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation so we can back the scientists that are trying to change ovarian cancer statistics, for good.