Summary of the Key Points
This report uses the personal experience of Shuyue (a pseudonym), a woman born in the 1990s, as a thread to tell her story of being diagnosed with endometriosis (chocolate cysts) and thyroid cancer within one year. She underwent two general anesthesia surgeries and faced long-term treatment. The article also reveals the high incidence of such diseases among young women, societal prejudices and misunderstandings towards patients, shortcomings in the healthcare system, as well as the efforts of patients to raise awareness about women's health through documentation and speaking out. It showcases the struggles and growth that women face on physical, psychological, and social levels due to these illnesses.
I. The "Hidden Illnesses" of Young Women: A Hidden Health Crisis
Many people are unaware that young women aged 20-30 are being silently affected by two diseases:
- Endometriosis: The lining of the uterus, which should remain inside the uterus, migrates to the ovaries or other areas, forming cysts that resemble chocolate. The pain can be excruciating, and the condition is prone to recurrence; it cannot be completely cured but is not life-threatening, earning it the nickname "the cancer that doesn't kill." In China, over 30 million women suffer from this disease, with nearly ten million having chocolate cysts. On average, it takes eight years to receive a diagnosis (compared to European data), and many people endure pain for years without knowing the cause.
- Thyroid Cancer: There are no initial symptoms, and the cancer cells grow slowly with a low mortality rate, yet it has become one of the most common cancers diagnosed in people aged 15-39. The incidence is much higher in women than in men. For example, Shuyue was told by others that her condition might be due to eating too much seafood, but doctors explained that consuming seafood actually provides good protein—indicating that public understanding of the causes is often incorrect.
These diseases are not typically associated with older age, yet they are often overlooked by young women because their symptoms are subtle or are dismissed.
II. Social Prejudices: It's Not Your Fault, Yet You Must Face Judgment
After falling ill, Shuyue encountered many hurtful comments:
- Blame for Lifestyle: Her boss suggested that drinking milk tea could have caused her cysts, and others blamed her thyroid cancer on eating too much seafood. However, scientific research shows that ovarian cysts and thyroid nodules are linked to factors such as smoking, drinking, and obesity, not seafood consumption.
- Pressure to Conceive: Her grandmother suggested that having a child would solve the problem, and her aunt asked why she hadn't already done so. Yet endometriosis can cause infertility in 30%-50% of women, and having a child is not a solution. Doctors often ask about fertility plans during treatment, as if a woman's value is solely tied to her ability to reproduce.
- Stigma of Illness: Shuyue tested positive for HPV (a common virus), which caused concern among her parents, who were afraid she would tell her colleagues, fearing it would affect her marriage. HPV is like the flu; almost everyone can be infected if they have had sexual intercourse, so there's no need to feel ashamed. However, societal prejudices surrounding gynecological diseases make it difficult for patients to cope.
- Discrimination in the Workplace: During job interviews, she was asked whether she could work overtime and whether her "break in her career" was due to illness, as if being ill is a stain on one's professional reputation. A healthy working environment should not require employees to endure excessive stress.
III. Shortcomings in the Healthcare System: Patients Must Become Their Own "General Practitioners"
Shuyue experienced several issues with the healthcare system:
- Specialized Doctors Working in Silos: She consulted gynecologists, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists, but each doctor only understood their own area of expertise. For example, when she took the wrong medication, no one knew which department to approach for comprehensive advice. Endometriosis and thyroid cancer are related (estrogen can promote the growth of thyroid cancer cells), yet a multidisciplinary approach (MDT) is not yet widely practiced.
- Lack of Patient Education: She received treatment for endometriosis with GnRH-a, but the doctor did not inform her about potential side effects such as menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sweating, insomnia). Doctors should provide clear information about the risks before treatment.
- Rigid Procedures: During a ultrasound, the doctor scolded her for not following the proper procedures; during follow-up visits, doctors were dismissive and didn't allow her to ask questions. The hospital's efficiency-focused processes often ignore the patient's needs.
IV. From Patient to Advocate: Using Writing to Combat Loneliness and Prejudice
Shuyue initially did not want to write a book, but after seeing so many women suffering in silence, she decided to document their experiences:
- Connecting with Others: While writing the book, she realized that her colleagues, interviewers, and even her elementary school teacher were all affected by similar illnesses. They could finally open up about their struggles. For instance, her former teacher, who had breast cancer, said after reading the book, "Nothing is insurmountable"—mutual understanding among patients is more important than anything.
- Breaking the Silence: She turned her surgical experiences into a stand-up comedy show, using humor to overcome the stigma of illness. After the book was published, many people reached out to her, expressing that someone had finally spoken up for their suffering.
- Calling for Change: She hopes that the healthcare system will pay more attention to women's health and that society will reduce prejudice. Being ill is not a fault, and women should not be labeled as "having problems" because of it.
V. Rebuilding Life: Even After Illness, I Can Still Live a Good Life
Shuyue has found a supportive job, adopted cats and dogs, and is regularly follow-up with her doctors. Her life is gradually returning to normal:
- Taking Control of Her Health: She sets reminders to take her medication and has become familiar with the procedures in different medical departments, learning to manage her own health.
- Embracing Imperfection: She no longer doubts herself due to her illness; she views it as a misfortune rather than a result of her actions.
- Finding Meaning: Even if this book is her only contribution, she feels it's worth it because it can help others and make a small difference.
Illness is not the end of everything; it has become a turning point for her to appreciate life even more.