Fatma, who lives in Turkey, explains how ovarian cancer impacted her life and career and how she got back to work after treatment.

When Fatma was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer, she had to put her 20-year career as a philosophy teacher on hold to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. One year later, after excellent care and support from her loved ones and healthcare professionals, Fatma returned to the classroom ready to meet her new students.

How did it feel to go back to work?

“I remember the first day I went back to the school I was transferred to. Although I have been a teacher for 18 years, I was as excited as if it was my first year.”