Four years ago today, I learned that I had ovarian cancer after visiting the emergency department of my local hospital with a suspected gallbladder issue. The diagnosis was an incidental finding—something unanticipated and unrelated to the initial reason for the visit.

While undergoing an abdominal ultrasound to check my gallbladder, the sonographer saw tumours. She must have said to herself, "Oh, this is not good." All that she said out loud was that she wanted to consult the radiologist on whether he had everything he needed. When she returned a moment later, she told me that he wanted a transvaginal ultrasound as well. I agreed without asking any questions, unaware of the significance of this additional test.

It would be several more hours before an emergency room physician would take me to a small room and inform me that I had ovarian cancer. "Could it be something other than ovarian cancer?" I asked. "Not likely," he responded, "based on the size and shape of the mass."

I had so little knowledge of ovarian cancer on that day. I didn't know if I would live another year, to say nothing of four years.

But here I am.

While I don't dwell on my diagnosis and treatment, I see milestones like this one as an opportunity to continue raising awareness about ovarian cancer. The fact that I'm living a healthy, fulfilling life four years after being diagnosed is worth noting.