Toronto Woman Cancer-Free After Ovarian-Cancer Surgery at 20 Weeks and Chemotherapy Following Preterm Twin Delivery

Sasha Sabrina Azeez of Toronto is cancer-free after surgery to remove a cancerous ovarian tumor during her twin pregnancy, followed by chemotherapy after delivery. Newsweek reported the 31-year-old learned of her pregnancy in April 2024 and received the twin diagnosis plus a 9-centimeter ovarian cyst at her first ultrasound. The cyst grew to 19 centimeters by 20 weeks gestation.

Surgeons removed Azeez’s right ovary and fallopian tube in a six-hour operation. Pathology identified an immature teratoma containing hair, teeth, and muscle tissue that had become cancerous. Azeez underwent open abdominal surgery on October 4, 2024, at 29 weeks to deliver the twins, each weighing 2 pounds 5 ounces.

The infants spent 52 days in the NICU. Immediately after delivery, surgeons performed an omentectomy to excise visible cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy began October 16 and ended with the final infusion December 30.

Azeez now undergoes bloodwork every three months and scans every six months. ” Azeez said the pregnancy revealed the cyst because she had no prior symptoms. She credited her medical team for protecting the twins while treating the cancer and noted her fiancé Chris assisted her recovery and cared for the newborns.

The couple plans to resume wedding arrangements. Azeez documents the experience on Instagram and TikTok under @sashaxsabrina.