Tennis legend Chris Evert reveals cancer back less than one year after remission

Tennis legend Chris Evert has announced that her cancer has returned. She encourages fans to advocate for their health and get tested.

After being diagnosed with cancer two years ago, tennis legend Chris Evert has been open about her experience. In a statement shared by ESPN, Evert revealed that her cancer has returned, but she feels fortunate that it was caught early.

Evert explained that she underwent robotic surgery after a PET CT scan revealed cancer cells in her pelvic region. The cancer cells were removed, and she has started chemotherapy again. As a result, she will be unable to join her colleagues at the Australian Open next month, but she is optimistic about the rest of the Grand Slam season.

In January 2022, Evert announced that she had been diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer. She emphasized the importance of knowing your family history and advocating for yourself, as early detection saves lives.

Evert's sister, Jeanne Evert Dubin, was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but hers was found at a later stage. She passed away from the disease in February 2020 at the age of 62. Evert shared that her sister's death allowed her to detect her own cancer early by providing a "genetic roadmap."

Genetic testing revealed that Evert Dubin had a BRCA1 variant, which initially was of "uncertain significance" but was later reclassified as "very clearly pathogenic." Evert emphasized the importance of the genetic roadmap her sister left behind and the power of scientific progress in catching her cancer early.

Evert's story highlights the significance of early detection, as ovarian cancer treatment works best when discovered in its early stages. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bathroom habits.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cancer, risk factors include age, previous cancer diagnoses, family history, and genetic mutations. Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are at an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Evert's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, knowing your family history, and advocating for your health. She encourages everyone to be thankful for their health and emphasizes the significance of early detection in saving lives.

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