When Sherry Pollex was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer at just 35 years old, she was handed a bleak prognosis—two years to live, at most. Rather than retreat into fear or resignation, Pollex found purpose. She launched a website devoted to educating women about ovarian cancer symptoms and promoting integrative approaches to treatment. She lived nine more impactful years, embracing life and using her journey to bring attention to ovarian cancer, holistic healing, and the importance of early detection.

Initially, Pollex believed she might be pregnant—her stomach was bloated, a symptom she misread as a sign of new life. But her world changed when doctors discovered 40 to 50 tumors and she was forced to undergo an emergency surgery and a radical hysterectomy that eliminated her chances of becoming a mother.

Despite her personal loss, she transformed her pain into purpose. Pollex became a beacon of strength, not just surviving but thriving as a vocal advocate for women’s health. She championed integrative cancer treatment, combining conventional medicine with holistic practices to support emotional and physical healing.

Sherry passed away at 44, but her legacy endures through the lives she touched. "I often wonder if that’s my purpose here," she once said. “Maybe I’m supposed to go through all this so I can pave the way for other women.”

“I have always been an optimist, I have never looked at a glass half-empty,” she shares. Her resilience has not only defied the odds medically, but has sparked a much-needed dialogue around an often-ignored cancer affecting thousands of women globally.

Her journey reminds us that while cancer can take a life, it cannot take the impact of a life well-lived. Let us not forget the lessons she gave us — of resilience, purpose, and the urgent need for awareness and early intervention in ovarian cancer.

Why Ovarian Cancer Is So Dangerous?

Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal gynecologic cancers, largely due to its stealthy onset. According to Dr. Vandana Jain, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, “About 70–80% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, making prognosis extremely poor, with long-term survival ranging between 15% to 30%.”

Unlike breast or cervical cancers, ovarian cancer has no reliable routine screening method. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) continues to advise against general population screening due to the lack of survival benefit. Symptoms such as bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and urinary urgency often mimic benign conditions, causing diagnostic delays.

The good news? Newer approaches like symptom-triggered testing using CA-125 and ultrasound can detect some cases earlier or with lower tumor burden—giving more women a fighting chance.

What is Altruism?

Altruism, by definition, is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It’s a trait Pollex embodied long before her diagnosis—raising funds for pediatric cancer through the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation. Ironically, her dedication to children with cancer foreshadowed her own battle.

After her diagnosis, instead of withdrawing, Pollex doubled down on advocacy—educating women about diagnostic tools like the OVA-1 blood test, speaking before Congress to improve access to oral chemotherapy, and mentoring fellow patients through letters and social media.

A growing body of scientific literature suggests that such selflessness may be biologically beneficial. A 2003 study of over 1,500 adults in Detroit found that providing support to others reduced mortality rates more than receiving support. Another study by Massachusetts General Hospital reported that giving help was a stronger predictor of mental health than receiving it.

How Emotional Strength is Linked to Survival?

Could altruism impact disease outcomes? Experts say yes. “Mental resilience and a positive emotional response in patients can influence not just quality of life, but potentially even survival,” says Dr. Jain.

This isn’t just about being upbeat—it’s about purpose. Patients who find meaning beyond their illness, like Pollex has, often experience lower stress, stronger immunity, and improved mental health—factors that can all contribute to longer survival.

Even within oncology wards, mental health professionals notice this pattern. As psychologists put it, “We frequently observe that patients with a history of purpose-driven lives fare emotionally better during the most trying times, which has downstream effects on their physical resilience.”

Pollex didn’t just share her story—she created platforms for others to share theirs. From highlighting fellow survivors on SherryStrong.org to helping a newly diagnosed woman find her own oncologist through shared networks, her outreach continues to ripple outward.

The power of storytelling in medicine cannot be underestimated. It fosters community, reduces isolation, and amplifies awareness—especially for diseases like ovarian cancer that often lack mainstream attention.

Moreover, Pollex’s ability to remain active in public life—traveling across the country, speaking at events, and fundraising—models what it means to live fully despite chronic illness. “You could be sick tomorrow and I could be well tomorrow—you never know what life is going to bring you. So living each day to the fullest is my motto,” she said.

Early Signs of Ovarian Cancer You Must Know

Symptom-triggered testing for ovarian cancer has been endorsed by various cancer organisations like American cancer society and Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Dr Jain says, "Though ovarian cancer was considered a silent killer, some symptoms if of new onset, coexistent with other symptoms, present almost daily for a few weeks and considered severe than expected, should be evaluated and can increase the chances of detecting."

As Dr. Jain emphasizes, recognizing the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer can be lifesaving. The disease may be considered a “silent killer,” but studies show that symptoms precede diagnosis by 3 to 36 months. When evaluated in time, 25% of high-grade serous ovarian cancers can be detected early or with a smaller disease burden—improving outcomes significantly.

Key early symptoms to look out for:

• Persistent bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly
• Urinary frequency or urgency

If these symptoms are new, frequent, and more severe than usual, seek medical evaluation and ask about CA-125 and pelvic ultrasound tests. Major trails done in the past have failed to show any survival benefit with routine screening.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2018 recommendation statement continues to recommend against screening for ovarian cancer for asymptomatic women who are not known to have a high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome

Patients identified with a high-risk family history should be referred to a genetic counselor and genetic screening for a possible hereditary cancer syndrome ( BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome, and other mutations). Patients who test positive for one of these syndromes may benefit from interventions such as risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

While science continues to uncover the intricate ties between emotional resilience and physical health, stories like Pollex’s offer compelling evidence- living for others might just help you live longer.

Dr. Vandana Jain is a Senior Consultant and Head of Department of Gynecologic Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre in Delhi, India

While beauty routines are typically associated with self-care and health, a new study paints a shocking picture of what is possibly being stored in the bottles on our bathroom shelves. A recent study found in Environmental Science & Technology Letters finds that formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which are identified human carcinogens, are widely present in a vast array of beauty products used by women all over the world. And alarmingly, the people most affected are often unaware of the risks they face daily.

In a long-term observational study, Silent Spring Institute researchers monitored the at-home personal care practices of 70 Black and Latina women in Los Angeles for 5-7 days. The subjects provided ingredient lists and usage records for the products they used in the home and found the surprising trend: 53% of the subjects reported using products that had formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents present.

What Is Formaldehyde and Why Is It Used?

Formaldehyde is a pungent, colorless gas with broad use for its antimicrobial activity. In cosmetics, it is used as a preservative to increase shelf life and inhibit bacterial growth. But for all its useful purposes, it has a dark side: formaldehyde is a carcinogen according to several health organizations, including the U.S. National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 are also commonly substituted for formaldehyde. These chemicals gradually release small amounts of the chemical, offering continued protection against contamination—but possibly releasing cancer-causing agents with each use.

Among these products were:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body washes and lotions
• Eyeliner and eyelash adhesive
• Hand soaps and skin lighteners

One respondent used three formaldehyde-formulated products daily: a leave-in conditioner, a rinse-off conditioner, and a body wash. Others utilized hand soaps with formaldehyde agents several times daily—indicating repeated and consistent use.

Throughout the study, the 64 women used a total of 1,143 beauty products. Each woman, on average, applied 17 different products daily, with some applying as many as 43. This amount of exposure highlights the cumulative risk of toxic chemicals in daily regimens.

"Repeated exposures such as these can accumulate and do significant harm," explained Dr. Robin Dodson, senior author of the study. "It's not hair straightener anymore—it's everywhere that these chemicals are."

This problem doesn't impact all women the same. Black and Latina women are especially at risk because of socio-cultural and economic pressures that lead to conformity to Eurocentric beauty ideals. Regular use of chemical hair relaxers, skin lighteners, and other specialized products puts these communities at increased risk for health effects—such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, which disproportionately impact Black women.

"This is all of the legacy and history of discrimination," said Black Women for Wellness co-author and executive director Janette Robinson Flint. "We shouldn't have to be chemists to know whether our products will make us ill."

Even though formaldehyde was designated a human carcinogen more than a decade ago, regulatory intervention in the United States has lagged and has been inadequate. The FDA had made plans in 2023 to propose prohibiting the use of formaldehyde in hair straighteners. However, two years down the line, no concrete action has been made.

Meanwhile, the European Union prohibited formaldehyde in cosmetics back in 2009. Formaldehyde and its releasing agents are also subject to strict labelling in the UK if found in concentrations above specific levels.

Several U.S. states, such as California and Washington, have introduced or implemented bills regulating these ingredients in cosmetics—but their efficacy is uncertain.

What to Watch for on Labels?

One of the biggest problems consumers have is that formaldehyde-releasing ingredients are not always labeled clearly. Rather than "formaldehyde," you might find chemical names such as:

• DMDM Hydantoin
• Imidazolidinyl Urea
• Diazolidinyl Urea
• Quaternium-15
• Bronopol

These are complicated and unfamiliar to most people, so it is difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.

Other Toxic Chemicals to Avoid

Formaldehyde is only one ingredient in the toxic mix in many personal care products. Other ingredients of concern include:

Benzophenone: A UV filter tied to hormone disruption

Parabens: Estrogen-mimicking preservatives tied to breast cancer

Hydroquinone: Skin-lightening agent prohibited in most countries

Triclosan: Antimicrobial now limited due to health and environmental issues

PPD (p-phenylenediamine): Hair dye ingredient tied to allergic reaction

Coal tar and mica: Identified irritants and possible carcinogens

Natural Alternatives for Your Beauty Routine

The best news is that you don't have to sacrifice safety for beauty. Here are detox tips for your beauty routine:

Go natural: Opt for products with fewer ingredients and familiar names. Ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and beeswax are moisturizing and harmless.

Select certified clean brands: Opt for brands that have been certified by EWG Verified, USDA Organic, or those meeting EU cosmetic regulations.

DIY solutions: Consider homemade masks, scrubs, and hair oils using simple kitchen ingredients.

Shop small and local: Many indie brands are more transparent about their ingredient sourcing and often offer customizable, preservative-free products.

Stay informed: Use apps like Think Dirty or EWG’s Skin Deep to scan and evaluate products before purchase.

The responsibility for knowing what's in our products cannot rest with the average consumer alone. "We need real regulatory action to protect women," stated Dr. Dodson. "Reading labels isn't enough—we need bans on toxic ingredients."

Until now, awareness, education, and advocacy are the strongest defense. Your health is more valuable than any marketing slogan—read past the gloss and select beauty that doesn't have to come at the expense of well-being.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), 57 million people had dementia worldwide in 2021. the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) predicted that this number will almost double every 20 years and reach 78 million in 2030. However, there is hope. An Indian origin researcher in the US developed a probiotic cocktail that will help prevent dementia.

What Is Dementia?

As per Alzheimer's Association, dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.

It is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy body, Frontotemporal, other includes Huntington's and mixed dementia.

What Is Anti-Dementia Probiotic Cocktail?

The cocktail is developed by Hariom Yadav from the University of South Florida. It is one of a kind of blend of probiotics that can positively impact the microbiome.

Hariom Yadav, director of the USF Health Center for Microbiome Research and associate professor of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is leading the charge. As senior author of two recent studies, his work centers on how gut health affects the brain and cognitive function.

The microbiome is the unseen community of microorganisms that live by the trillions in a person's gut. This probiotic cocktail works by positively influencing the microbiome—the vast, invisible community of trillions of microorganisms living in our gut.

When the Gut Goes Wrong

In a healthy person, these microorganisms coexist in balance. However, when harmful bacteria and viruses disrupt this harmony, it can trigger systemic issues throughout the body. Research now links such disruptions to long-term brain conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is particularly alarming as dementia cases are expected to double, reaching nearly a million new diagnoses annually by 2060.

Probiotic Cocktail Shows Promise

In a study published in Scientific Reports in January, Yadav’s team tested the cocktail, which combines multiple strains of beneficial gut bacteria. Unlike current Alzheimer’s treatments that focus solely on brain biology, this cocktail offers a new direction—targeting the gut to protect the brain.

Testing the Cocktail on Mice

To evaluate its effects, mice were given the probiotic blend in their drinking water for 16 weeks. They then completed a "water maze" test, which challenged them to find a hidden underwater platform using visual cues. Mice that consumed the cocktail consistently outperformed those that didn’t.

Positive Results in Brain Health

The researchers observed that the probiotic mixture reduced the accumulation of harmful brain proteins linked to plaque formation. It also appeared to decrease brain inflammation and maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, preventing dangerous microorganisms from leaking into the brain.

A Synergistic Approach to Gut Health

“We actually developed this cocktail a few years back,” said Yadav. “Normally, people look at single-strain probiotics. But we discovered that when used together as a consortia, they have more power to shift the microbiome from harmful to beneficial.”

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death, causing 3.5 million deaths globally in the year 2021. COPD is a common lung disease that restricts airflow and causes breathing problems. This disease can cause damage to your lungs and symptoms of it include coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing tiredness. However, many people still believe that COPD is an issue that affects older men who smoke. Delay in diagnosis of COPD in women have caused greater number of hospitalizations and advance progression of the disease as well.

According to a medical review published in the Medscape, there has been an increase in the prevalence of women who have been observed to have COPD. A 2021 study published in the Excli Journal also explained COPD is primarily associated with male gender as it was believed that men smoked more than women, however new data shows that women are actually more susceptible to this disease and the harmful effects of cigarette on them.

How Does COPD Affect Women?

Quitting to smoke is the best way to slow down COPD and make it less severe but for women, especially in poor countries, breathing polluted air inside their homes (from cooking with wood or other fuels) and outside due to air pollution is also major reasons. More women die from COPD caused by indoor air pollution than men.

Alarmingly, around 16 million people with COPD remain undiagnosed, and a significant number of these are believed to be women. As more cases emerge in women, it becomes crucial to enhance recognition and diagnosis.

According to 2022 study in the Frontiers in Medicine journal, COPD is the leading cause of death in women in the USA. The usual signs of COPD that doctors learn about might not be the same for women. They might have different symptoms, like just feeling very out of breath or having more flare-ups. Sometimes, women with COPD also have things like anxiety or depression, and doctors might focus on those instead of realizing it could be linked to their breathing problems.

Why a Late Diagnosis is a Big Problem for Women?

Research shows that women might actually be more easily harmed by cigarette smoke and more likely to develop COPD. In fact, women who smoke are much more likely to get COPD than men who smoke. Studies show that smoking causes a bigger drop in lung function in women compared to men, and women who smoke are also more likely to end up in the hospital with COPD.

Studies suggest women's lungs might get worse more quickly with COPD. So, a delay means more damage happens before they even know what's going on. Because the disease has been going on longer without treatment, women are more likely to have severe problems that land them in the hospital. COPD makes it hard to breathe, which can stop women from doing everyday things and can also lead to other health problems like heart issues and mental health problems.

Why Are Women At High Risk?

There are a few ideas why women might be more likely to get COPD from smoking,

Hormones

Hormones might play a role, but we don't fully understand how yet. Some studies show they might help, while others don't.

Smaller Lungs

Women's lungs are generally smaller than men's. This means that the damage from smoke might be more concentrated and have a bigger impact in women, even if they smoke the same amount.