Advocacy often begins with a single decision. That decision can include speaking up, asking questions, or seeking a second opinion when something doesn’t feel right. For many Black women, that decision can be life-saving.
Roslyn Daniels, CEO and founder of Black Health Matters, knows this firsthand. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016, her journey highlights a powerful truth about listening to your body and confidently advocating for yourself to protect your health.
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“I Was Doing Everything Right”
Before her diagnosis, Roslyn took pride in caring for her health. She exercised regularly, paid attention to her diet, and never missed her annual OBGYN visits. Ovarian cancer did not run in her family, and nothing about her lifestyle suggested she was at risk.
That’s why her diagnosis came as such a shock.
When Roslyn began experiencing pain during intercourse, she realized this was something she had not noticed prior to her last OBGYN appointment. Thinking it would be easier and faster to get answers, she decided to visit a local doctor rather than wait for her regular provider.
That choice changed everything.
The Power of Being Heard
During that visit, the doctor performed a routine pelvic exam and ultrasound and noticed something concerning. She immediately referred Roslyn for an MRI. The results revealed Stage III ovarian cancer.
Roslyn was stunned. At her annual OBGYN visits, she had previously been told she had fibroids, a common diagnosis among African American women. In hindsight, what was assumed to be routine may have delayed deeper investigation and testing.
Her experience highlights an important lesson about listening to our bodies and speaking up when something seems abnormal or when we experience new symptoms.
Following her diagnosis, Roslyn underwent surgery, including a hysterectomy, followed by 16 weeks of chemotherapy. The treatment worked. Today, she has been cancer-free for nearly 10 years.
She is clear about the fact that had she not acted on her discomfort and sought care when she did, her outcome could have been very different.
What Her Story Teaches About Self-Advocacy
Roslyn’s journey offers a roadmap for empowerment, reminding us to be aware, take action when needed, and trust our own instincts.
- Do not normalize discomfort. Roslyn encourages Black women to be aware of symptoms related to their gynecologic health, such as pain during sex, persistent bloating, or pelvic discomfort.
- Speak up. Self-advocacy means clearly communicating what you’re experiencing and asking for clarity when needed. Bringing written questions to appointments or asking for additional testing can help ensure concerns are addressed.
- It’s okay to seek another opinion. Changing doctors or seeking a second opinion is a form of self-care. Roslyn’s decision to see a different provider led to earlier detection and ultimately saved her life.
Empowerment Beyond Diagnosis
Today, Roslyn uses her voice to educate and advocate through Black Health Matters, ensuring Black communities have access to trusted, culturally relevant health information. Her work reinforces that empowerment doesn’t stop at diagnosis or treatment. It continues through education, awareness, and community.
For women affected by ovarian cancer, advocacy may also include learning about all available care options, including clinical research studies. Clinical research studies help advance treatment, especially for those with recurrent disease or cancers that respond differently to standard therapies.
Participation in clinical research studies is always voluntary and comes with patient protections, safety oversight, and the right to ask questions or step away at any time.
Turning Empowerment Into Action
Roslyn’s story is a reminder that advocating for yourself can look like speaking up, seeking clarity, and exploring all available options for care.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by ovarian cancer, learning more about clinical research studies opportunities may be part of that advocacy journey. To explore ovarian cancer clinical research studies and see if you may be eligible, visit Lilly’s clinical research study guide and pre-screener at https://e.lilly/4sPCiqM.
