Español

Una
recurrencia de cáncer ovárico significa que la enfermedad reapareció después de que estuviste en remisión o que se declaró que ya no tenías la enfermedad. Si bien las tasas de supervivencia de personas con cáncer ovárico recurrente actualmente son aproximadamente 3 de cada 10, conocer tus riesgos, defender tus derechos y participar activamente en tu tratamiento y atención puede mejorar los desenlaces clínicos y la prognosis.Hablamos con Blair McNamara, M.D., una oncóloga ginecológica de la facultad de medicina de la Universidad Yale y miembro del consejo de asesoría de la salud de la mujer de HealthyWomen acerca del cáncer ovárico recurrente y sus opciones terapéuticas que cambian continuamente.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Daiichi Sankyo.

An ovarian cancer recurrence means the disease has returned after you’ve gone into remission or been declared disease-free. While survival rates for people with recurrent ovarian cancer are currently around 3 in 10, knowing your risks, advocating for yourself, and actively participating in your treatment and care can improve your outcome and your outlook.

We spoke with Blair McNamara, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist at Yale University School of Medicine and a member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council about recurrent ovarian cancer and its evolving treatment options.

This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo.

As told to Jacquelyne Froeber

In 1994, I was in the emergency room when the healthcare provider told me pancreatic cancer was only diagnosed in 65-year-old Black men.

But there I was — a 44-year-old white woman with a mass on my pancreas.

The whole scene felt like a bad dream. Just an hour earlier I was having fun at a party. Then the next thing I knew I was in the ER with severe back pain. I thought it was gallstones — I’d heard that gallstones were very painful.

I’d never heard of pancreatic cancer before.

But I also hadn’t felt like myself for some time. About six months before the ER visit, I went to my healthcare provider for some tests. I was having high chest pains (probably stress), digestive problems (probably my diet), weight loss (but the diet was working!) and I was tired all the time. I was so drained I barely had the energy to play tennis — the sport I loved. But no one called me about my test results and I figured no news was good news.

It turned out my provider had left the practice and never received my test results. There was, in fact, a mass on my pancreas. I had pancreatic cancer.

The diagnosis didn’t feel real. I was relatively young, active and had no family history of cancer. I wanted answers and I wanted to learn everything I could about the disease. But I quickly found out there wasn’t much to learn. I couldn’t find any significant research or education on pancreatic cancer. And zero information about the disease in women.

The worst part was hearing from providers that no one lives with pancreatic cancer. I had to come to terms with the fact that I was going to die.

This was unacceptable to me. I wanted to see my son graduate and get married. I wanted to meet my future grandchildren. I knew I had to do everything I could to live.

My treatment options were limited. Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer didn’t exist. For me, it was surgery or nothing. I had a Whipple procedure, which removed the tumor in my pancreas and reconstructed my digestive tract. After the surgery, I was diagnosed with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma, a rare, slow-growing cancer. And although we had caught it early, there was a chance it could come back.

I was beyond grateful that the cancer was removed, but no one prepared me for what to expect with a new digestive tract. Certain foods would keep me in the bathroom for hours and some days I couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain and nausea. I felt so alone. There were no dieticians familiar with pancreatic cancer. I didn’t even have an oncologist that specialized in pancreatic cancer. I felt like I was stumbling around in the dark trying to find a light.

The American Cancer Society said that most people don’t live past five years with pancreatic cancer. That fact played on a loop in my head almost every day. I’d wake up in the morning and be thankful to be alive, and then wonder — was today the day? Then, I made it to five years — no evidence of disease. I felt an unfamiliar stirring of hope in my heart. Maybe the small amount of research out there was wrong.

But shortly after the five-year mark, the cancer came back, and it was more aggressive than before. I was devastated.

Again, my only option was surgery, so I had the rest of my pancreas removed along with my spleen and gallbladder. I also had my first CT scan ever after the surgery, and although the technology was impressive, the imaging showed that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. I wanted to have another surgery to remove the lymph nodes right away, but my oncologist said they were inoperable.

I spent the next two years talking to different oncologists and finally found one who had been studying pancreatic cancer for years. He helped me start a treatment plan and find a surgeon to remove the lymph nodes.

When I stepped back and looked at all of the time and energy I’d spent on advocating for my health, I realized I needed to do more. Not just for me — but for everyone like me who was desperately searching for information and innovation and hope. I started looking into advocacy training, and I eventually became the first survivor patient research advocate for pancreatic cancer in the U.S.

All of the fundraising, legislative visits and reviewing upcoming pancreatic cancer research and clinical trials helped soften the terrible news that the cancer had come back in 2006. This time it was in my lung.

My healthcare provider wanted to put off any testing because the spot was small, but I insisted on a biopsy. When the results came back, I was right — it was positive for pancreatic cancer. I then had surgery to remove the lower lobe of my lung.

It’s been incredibly tough to go through all these surgeries and still know cancer can show up again any time. But throughout the years I’ve worked with many local, national and international organizations to help advance research and treatment options for pancreatic cancer. I helped the U.S. Department of Defense create the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program — and I still work with them today.

I’m probably most proud to be founder of the first pancreatic cancer support group in Arizona. We started it more than 20 years ago and continue to help people connect with each other and support mental health.

We’ve come a long way in the fight against pancreatic cancer, but there are still many mountains to climb. I think back to my initial diagnosis and being told that pancreatic cancer is a man’s disease. That’s simply not true. Women get pancreatic cancer. And rates are rising for younger people under the age of 50.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like I did — chest pain, weight loss, changes in your digestive system — talk to your healthcare provider right away. Don’t let anyone tell you that women don’t get pancreatic cancer. I’m living proof that we do.

Have your own Real Women, Real Stories you want to share? Let us know.

Our Real Women, Real Stories are the authentic experiences of real-life women. The views, opinions and experiences shared in these stories are not endorsed by HealthyWomen and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HealthyWomen.

As the editorial team prepared for our first issue of 2025, one name stood out as our cover star—Mahlagha Jaberi. A global icon known for her elegance, fitness, and authenticity, Mahlaga epitomizes grace and strength. Our conversation with her revealed a woman deeply committed to self-improvement, balance, and sharing her journey with others. From personal goals to overcoming challenges, Mahlaga’s story is an inspiring testament to living with purpose.

When I asked Mahlaga about her milestones for 2025, her response reflected a woman grounded in both passion and determination. “This year, I’m committed to creating a more balanced life,” she shared. “I aim to invest more time in my health and with my family while eagerly embracing creative projects that ignite my passion.” Her words resonated deeply with me—a reminder that balance is not a static state but a dynamic pursuit.

Professionally, Mahlagha is bubbling with new ideas. She spoke about projects that align with her core values. “To stay motivated, I remind myself of my initial purpose and the progress I’ve made. Although challenges arise, being surrounded by supportive and inspiring individuals, as well as celebrating even the smallest victories, fuels my drive to achieve my larger dreams.” Her perspective was a beautiful affirmation of how community and gratitude can propel us forward.

Full Interview is Continued on Next Page

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Slide 1  

El bueno, el malo y corre al baño: Qué hacer antes y después de tu colonoscopía 

La colonoscopía y la recuperación usualmente son fáciles. ¿El día anterior? Prepárate para una noche memorable en el baño.

Slide 2

La semana antes de tu colonoscopía

Recoge tu preparación para la limpieza del colon. La tomarás la noche antes de tu colonoscopía para vaciar el colon completamente.

Las presentaciones de las preparaciones para la limpieza del colon incluyen tabletas, líquidos o polvos. Cada marca funciona de forma diferente, así que lee las instrucciones cuidadosamente.

Slide 3

Cuando salgas, recoge algunos suministros para que el baño esté bien abastecido:

• Paños húmedos
• Crema para rozaduras o vaselina
• Papel higiénico suave

También agrega alimentos suaves o líquidos transparentes en la lista de víveres:

• Gelatina
• Bebidas isotónicas (bebidas para deportistas)
• Caldo
• Paletas heladas de limón o lima

Slide 4

3-5 días antes de tu colonoscopía

Adopta una dieta baja en fibras.

Deja de comer:

• Frutas crudas
• Frutas secas
• Cereales integrales
• Vegetales
• Frutos secos y granos

Esto es para garantizar que todo tu colon pueda verse durante el procedimiento.

Slide 5

El día anterior

Adopta una dieta de líquidos transparentes:

• Caldo
• Café o té sin leche o crema
• Gelatina y paletas heladas de limón o lima
• Sodas o bebidas isotónicas transparentes

Evita colorantes rojos, naranjas, azules o púrpuras en los alimentos que puedan parecer sangre en el colon.

Si tienes estreñimiento hoy, avísale a tu doctor para que pueda recetar un laxante.

Slide 6

¡Es el momento de la verdad!

No planifiques nada esta noche y empieza a tomar tus preparaciones para la limpieza del colon varias horas antes de ir a la cama para garantizar que duermas. Vas a tomar mucha agua y pasarás mucho tiempo en el baño. Ten tus suministros listos para tu comodidad, junto con un buen libro o revista.

Slide 7

Consejos de profesionales:

• Si tienes una preparación líquida para la limpieza del colon, bébela fría y con un sorbete.
• Después de beberla, come una tajada de limón o una menta.
• Mantente hidratada: Las bebidas isotónicas o con electrolitos pueden ser útiles.
• Mantente motivada y sigue adelante: si tu colon no está vacío, podrías tener que hacerlo otra vez.

Tu meta: ¡hacerlo bien una sola vez!

Diapositiva 8

El día de la colonoscopía

La parte difícil ya pasó. En el hospital o la clínica te pondrás una bata, te colocarán una IV y tomarás una siesta con anestesia.

La mayoría de personas se sienten bien cuando despiertan, pero algunas tienen gases o distensión abdominal.

Recibirás tus resultados antes de irte.

Slide 9

Asegúrate de que haya alguien que te lleve a casa.

Toma el resto del día con calma mientras te recuperas de la anestesia. Puedes comer nuevamente, sin restricciones. Disfrútalo, pero hazlo lentamente.

Slide 10

¡Felicitaciones por darle prioridad a tu salud! No fue tan malo, ¿verdad?

Si tienes una prueba sin anomalías y pocos factores de riesgo, es posible que no tengas que hacer esto nuevamente por varios años.

Este recurso educativo se preparó con el apoyo de Daiichi Sankyo.

March is National Sleep Awareness Month.

For most of my life, sleep has been simple. As a kid, my dad would read me a bedtime story — usually “The Giving Tree” — and I’d be asleep before the Boy took all the tree’s branches. (That book is deep, BTW.) And I could sleep anywhere. From questionable ottomans in hotels to the middle seat on a turbulent flight — I was the female McDreamy.

It wasn’t until my early 30s that I realized how bad sleepless nights can be. There’s nothing worse than getting into bed, counting sheep (or glorious Russet potatoes), only to spend the next seven hours tossing and turning and staring at the ceiling thinking about everrrrryyyyyyyyythinggggggg under the sun.

About 1 in 4 women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) experience some symptoms of insomnia such as trouble falling asleep and trouble staying asleep. Beyond the annoyance of it all, insomnia can have serious effects on mental and physical health such as an increased risk of mood disorders and cardiovascular disease — the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.

Women are more likely to have insomnia than men, so it’s no surprise that women are also more likely to take prescription sleeping pills. But new research shows that the nighttime aids may not give you the stellar sleep you think you’re getting.

“Sleeping pills can put you to sleep, but you may not get the quality of sleep that you need because you’re not actually getting healthy, restorative sleep,” said Nicole Sondermann, NBC-HWC, CCSH, RPSGT, clinical sleep health educator and member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council (WHAC).

Watch: How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep >>

If you’ve ever been diagnosed with a health condition, a biomarker is at play, even if you’ve never heard the word. Biomarkers help healthcare providers identify, monitor and determine risk for disease — including heart disease, the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.

Biomarkers also play a big role in the development of medications and treatment options for health conditions such as cancer. Here’s more on the fascinating world of biomarkers, and what you need to know about biomarker testing.

Annebeth Kubbe is a three times Dutch vaulting Champion. She competes for the Netherlands. In 2015 Youth World Championship Ermelo (Squad) Warnix she stood fourth.

In 2017 she moved to Denmark and stayed there until 2021, when she returned to the Netherlands she decided to take a gap year after she passed her school exams. She wanted to focus on qualification for the 2018 FEI Vaulting European Championships for Juniors in Kaposvar Hungary. She bought her own horse, Guinness, and started to look for a place to work and vault. Suddenly, the chance to work and vault at Lasse Kristensen’s place came her way. She has studied at High school in Gorinchem, Netherlands and De HAN University of Applied Sciences located at Nijmegen, Netherlands. One of her hobbies is volunteering. She also a Physiotherapist and Vaulting coach.

Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Annebeth Kubbe an exceptionally talented Dutch Equestrian Vaulting athlete; Three times Dutch Champion here she talks about her fitness routine, diet, and success story.

Namita Nayyar:

Where were you born and had your early education? Equestrian vaulting is most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback. You came in competitive Equestrian vaulting at the age of nine years and participated in the 2015 Youth World Championship Ermelo (Squad) Warnix and stood fourth. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been a leading equestrian vaulting athlete, presently ranked 47th in the world. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?

Annebeth Kubbe:

I am born in the Netherlands and started my vaulting career in the Netherlands. In 2014 (at age 14) I started my career in the elite sports. I did this with junior team the Netherlands. In 2017 I started my career as an individual vaulter. This year I moved to Denmark to have fully focused on the sports. It was hard to move on my own to another county, but I was determined to get the best out of me as an athlete. In 2021 I decided to move back to Holland. I grow as a person and an athlete. The coach that was coaching me in Denmark, had different ambitious then me, so I decided to find a new coach. In 2022 I ended 5th in the world cup final. In 2022. 2023 and 2024 I became Dutch champion.

Namita Nayyar:

While performing Equestrian vaulting where choreographing routines is an art form, it’s about finding a balance between showcasing strengths and creating a captivating performance. Elaborate?

Annebeth Kubbe:

I love this question. For me Equestrian vaulting is definitely a combination of art, showcasing and elite sports. Of course you need to be fit and strong to be able to do all the exercises you want. But Its all about making it smooth with your horse, dancing with your horse and balancing each other. The show part is really about telling your story inspiring people and making art.

Namita Nayyar:

You stood fourth in 2022 FEI World Cup Finals Leipzig that was held from 6th to 10th April 2022 at Leipzig Germany. How these events in your equestrian vaulting journey act as a catalyst in your metriotic rise as a leading equestrian vaulting athlete?

Annebeth Kubbe:

The world cup final was my first competition with my own horse Evermore R. The connection I have with him is so deep. Because of him and our connection I became a much better athlete.

Full Interview is Continued on Next Page

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Herbs such as Artemisia vulgaris and Capsella bursa-pastoris promote menstrual and hormonal health. If your period is heavy enough to require changing more often than every one or two hours, or if you have a period that lasts more than a full week, you may be experiencing menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormonal imbalance is one of the primary reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding, with Uterine fibroid tumors ranking second. Intrauterine devices used for contraception are also a potential cause of heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia.

• Artemisia vulgaris or mugwort (same family as the well-known wormwood) has been used in China to prevent miscarriage in women, and also to reduce and stop excessive and heavy menstrual bleeding. The herb is widely used as an antiseptic. A cool or cold womb is thought to be the cause of infertility in a woman, and mugwort can be used to treat this condition as well. It can also, if used properly, stop a miscarriage from taking place, although this can only be done under the supervision of a qualified medical or herbal practitioner. Menstrual pain can be alleviated successfully with the help of mugwort. It contains a volatile oil, a sesquiterpene lactone, flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, and triterpenes. A common way to use mugwort is by making tea. Soak 1 teaspoon in a cup of hot (non-boiling) water. Sweeten it with a small amount of honey or sugar.

• Capsella bursa-pastoris or Shepherd’s purse: This herb is used for premenstrual problems, long periods, and menstrual cramps. It acts as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and diuretic. It is used during or after childbirth and to ease difficult menstruation. The leaves are very high in thiamin (B1), choline, inositol, and fumaric acid. They are a good source of ascorbic acid (C), riboflavin (B2), calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. They also provide beta carotene (A), vitamin K, niacin, iron, and rutin. For medicinal use, the whole plant in flower is used (except the roots) usually in the form of a tea or infusion. Either fresh or dried material may be used, but fresh is preferred as the dry material soon loses its medicinal properties.

• Another herb is Cinnamon, which has been used for centuries to manage menorrhagia. Various terpenoids found in the volatile oil are believed to account for cinnamon’s medicinal effects. Important among these compounds are eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon tinctures have been the standard treatment for uterine bleeding before the 1900s. Studies indicate that certain types of cinnamon may inhibit thromboxane A, a substance in the blood that causes blood platelets to clump and clot. This helps to stop heavy periods and abnormal bleeding. Sip a cup (250 ml) of infusion, use 5-10 drops of tincture once or twice a day, chew on a cinnamon stick, or sprinkle cinnamon on everything you eat.

• Alchemilla vulgaris or Lady’s Mantle: Rightfully called a “woman’s healing herb.” Its rich concentrations of tannin make it especially valuable in curbing heavy or excessive menstrual flow. A herbal remedy made from the aerial part of the herb, lady’s mantle has been used in stopping both external and internal bleeding – as well as excessive menstruation in women, the herb has been used in the healing of all kinds of wounds. It also aids in overcoming the symptoms of menopause and can lead to a great improvement in the regularity of the menstrual cycle in the body of the woman. The herbal remedy made from the lady’s mantle is also often prescribed for the treatment of conditions like fibroids and endometriosis in women.

• Beth Root Stock: Trillium erectum or beth rootstock is a flowering plant indigenous to the western United States, according to the “Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines.” The medicinal parts including the leaves and root are used to make poultices and teas that have a sweet yet acrid taste. This plant is indicated for heavy menstrual bleeding, venous ulcers, hematoma, and head colds. It is contraindicated in pregnancy. The main side effect is gastric irritation which can induce vomiting.

• Yarrow: can reduce heavy menstrual flow if taken during a heavy period. Yarrow is effective for uterine health. Drinking yarrow tea or taking yarrow supplements can regulate the menstrual flow and improve uterine tone. Because of the salicylic acid (the same compound as in aspirin) and anti-inflammatory effects of yarrow, it is an effective pain reliever for menstrual cramps, PMS, and endometriosis. To make your tea, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried yarrow flower for every cup of boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes before straining.

• Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) berry: Its extracts are said to normalize menstrual cycles. It helps regulate irregular cycles during the different phases of a woman’s life cycle. Herbalists often use it with girls who are beginning to establish regular cycles, with women when they are trying to get pregnant, and then with menopausal women to help with hormonal balance and hot flashes. Be patient with this herb, as it generally takes three months of continuous use to reap benefits. You can take 60 drops of tincture or 175 to 225 mg of standardized extract each morning.

Nettle leaf and Hibiscus flower are suggested by some herbalists for managing heavy menstrual bleeding. Calendula officinalis acts as a menstrual cycle regulator and provides a calming effect while Viburnum opulus (Cramp Bark) helps to ease nervous tension and reduce menstrual cramps.

Menstrual chaos is common in menopausal years. Do not despair.

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Slide 1 

The Good, the Bad, and the Bathroom Dash: What to Do Before and After Your Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy and the recovery are usually easy. The day before? Get ready for a memorable evening in the bathroom.

Slide 2

The week before your colonoscopy

Pick up your prep. You’ll take it the night before your colonoscopy to empty the colon completely.

Prep comes in tablet, liquid or powder form. Each brand works differently, so read the instructions carefully.

Slide 3

While you’re out, pick up some supplies to stock the bathroom: 

Also, put soft foods and clear liquids on the grocery list:

• Jell-O

• Sports drinks

• Broth

• Lemon or lime popsicles

Slide 4

3-5 days before your colonoscopy

Switch to a low-fiber diet. 

Stop eating:

• Raw fruit

• Dried fruit

• Whole grains

• Vegetables

• Nuts and seeds

This is to ensure the whole colon is visible during the scan.

Slide 5

The day before

Start a clear liquid diet:

• Broth

• Coffee or tea with no milk or creamer

• Lemon or lime Jell-O and popsicles

• Clear soda or sports drinks

Avoid red, orange, blue or purple food dye, which can resemble blood in the colon.

If you’re constipated today, let your doctor know so they can prescribe a laxative.

Slide 6

It’s go time! 

Clear your evening calendar and start taking your prep meds several hours before bedtime to ensure you sleep. You’ll be drinking a lot of water and camping in the bathroom. Have your comfort supplies ready, along with a good book or magazine.

Slide 7

Pro Tips:

• If you have liquid prep, drink it chilled and through a straw.

• After drinking it, suck on a peppermint or lemon slice.

• Stay hydrated: Sports drinks or electrolytes can help.

• Stay motivated and keep going: if your colon isn’t empty, you may have to do it again.

Your goal: one and done!

Slide 8

Colonoscopy day

The hard part is behind you. At the hospital or clinic, you’ll gown up, get an IV, and take a nap under anesthesia.

Most people feel fine after they wake up, but some experience a little gas or bloating.

You’ll get your results before you leave.

Slide 9

Be sure to arrange for someone to bring you home.

Take it easy for the rest of the day as you recover from the anesthesia. You can eat again, with no restrictions. Enjoy, but start slowly.

Slide 10

Congratulations on prioritizing your health! That wasn’t so bad, was it?

With a clear scan and few risk factors, you may not need to do this again for several years.

This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo.