Some people have asked if I embarrassed to talk about my cancer – specifically because it has to do with parts of the body that are often kept private. Ovarian cancer is about reproductive organs and gynaecological health. 

Look, before I was diagnosed with Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer in June 2024 , I very rarely talked about this stuff. I did talk a little about my period, but that’s it. 

And since I was diagnosed, I talk about it a lot. I am no longer embarrassed to talk about my ovaries and vagina, sex and menopause. I especially talk about menopause, because I knew nothing about it when I was rudely launched into it after surgery and Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer diagnoses.  Historically, women and gender diverse people have kept it quiet, so current generations going through menopause didn’t know what to expect. I’m so grateful to women like Mona Eltahawy (editor of Bloody Hell – Aventuras in Menopause from around the World), Em Rusciano (creator of Rage Against the Vagine podcast), Patrina Jones (creator of Rage Against the Menopause podcast) and Shelly Horton (writer of I’m Your Peri Godmother book) who have created brilliant resources for people going through menopause now and into the future. 

Shame and stigma around reproductive organs and gynaecological health may mean that symptoms are ignored and not spoken about. Some people may feel embarrassed to raise it with their family, friends and even doctors. So illnesses like Ovarian Cancer are not detected early enough. 

Talk about your reproductive organs and gynaecological health. It might save your life, and the lives of others. 

I am raising money for Frocktober – to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. My Frocktober fundraising page is here  – please donate and share this post. 

Today’s Frocktober prompt is “powerful pants”. I am wearing black pants from Witchery, a black vest from Target Petites, a mesh floral top from Marimekko, a rose gold heart pendant from Mimco, and gold shoes from Rollie. 

Images: Carly, a woman with red skin and short dark curly hair, wearing a black vest over a floral mesh top, and black pants, and rose gold shoes. She’s smiling, standing near a stone wall.

The post Frocktober: no more shame and perfect pants first appeared on Carly Findlay.