Lithuanian TikTok Creator Reveals 12-Year Cancer Recurrence Anxiety Following Annual Check-Up
Vilnius, Lithuania – Brigita Povilionienė, a popular Lithuanian TikTok creator, publicly shared her ongoing anxiety surrounding ovarian cancer recurrence following a recent annual check-up at the Santariškii oncology department. povilionienė, 39, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 12 years ago and has continued yearly screenings despite medical recommendations suggesting less frequent monitoring.
The emotional post, shared on Facebook and subsequently gaining traction on TikTok, details Povilionienė’s experience beginning treatment in October of that year, a period she refers to as her “second birthday.” She vividly remembers the surgery, chemotherapy, and the early menopause she experienced at age 27, all reminders etched into her daily life by a 40-centimeter scar and persistent physical symptoms.her continued vigilance stems from a story she encountered years ago about a woman whose cancer returned 12 years after initial remission, fueling a fear that her own cancer could resurface at the same interval.
“Every day I see a 40-centimeter scar on my stomach, the menopause that started at the age of 27, the constant waves of heat, sweat and anxiety do not allow me to forget that at such a young age I already had to go through the removal of ovarian cancer… And it constantly crosses my mind that I am waiting for 12 years with perhaps the greatest excitement,” Povilionienė wrote. Despite being informed by medical professionals that annual check-ups may not be necessary, she intends to continue them, jokingly referring to the process as “checking my technician,” prioritizing her peace of mind and continued enjoyment of life.
Povilionienė’s story highlights the lasting psychological impact of cancer,even after successful treatment,and the challenges patients face in balancing medical advice with personal anxieties. Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological cancer, with approximately 1,300 new cases diagnosed in Lithuania each year, according to the National Cancer Registry. Early detection through regular screenings remains crucial for improving survival rates.
