Diagnosed at 32, Nicole Seltzer Wants Every Woman to Trust Their Gut

At just 32 years old, Fort Lauderdale resident Nicole Seltzer never imagined that severe bleeding would lead to a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

In March 2024, Seltzer rushed to Broward Health Medical Center’s Emergency Room after experiencing severe hemorrhaging. Her blood loss was so significant that her hemoglobin level had dropped to just 5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) from a normal 12 to 15 g/dL range.

Then came the call she will never forget.

Following a biopsy, Seltzer was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer.

“I was so scared,” Seltzer recalled. “You don’t expect to hear that at 32.”

Seltzer was referred to Scott E. Jordan, M.D., a gynecologic and surgical oncologist with the Broward Health Physician Group. Her treatment journey would include an intensive combination of therapies over the next two years.

“Nicole’s story serves as a powerful reminder to never ignore unusual changes in your body and to stay on top of annual checkups,” said Dr. Jordan. “Around 93% of cervical cancers can be avoided with preventative care. Advanced cervical cancer can be incurable, so prevention is key.”

Seltzer underwent eight weeks of daily radiation and eight rounds of chemotherapy, followed by brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation. In September 2024, she began immunotherapy, continuing treatment through May 2026.

Throughout that time, Seltzer said, Dr. Jordan provided more than medical care. He became a source of reassurance and support during one of the most frightening periods of her life.

“He played an instrumental role in saving my life,” Seltzer said. “He made it easier for me. I trusted him completely.”

When she was sick, Seltzer knew she could call Dr. Jordan’s office with questions or concerns. She recalled that prescriptions were handled quickly and that Dr. Jordan himself would speak with her when she needed him.

“He continued to be that same doctor even after I went into remission,” she said. “He’s still there for me.”

Today, Seltzer is in remission and looking toward the future. She credits Dr. Jordan and his team with supporting her family throughout her cancer journey. Her entire family developed a close relationship with the physician and his team as they navigated the emotional impact of Seltzer’s diagnosis and treatment.

Seltzer’s experience has also made her passionate about the importance of listening to your body and advocating for yourself.

Before her cancer diagnosis, Seltzer had been treated for fibroids and says several physicians attributed her symptoms to the condition. Her experience has left her determined to encourage other women to seek answers when something doesn’t feel right.

“I would do anything to share my story if it could save another woman’s life,” she said.

For Seltzer, cervical cancer awareness is no longer an abstract health message. It is personal.

She hopes that sharing her experience will encourage women to pay attention to changes in their bodies, discuss concerning symptoms with their healthcare providers and continue asking questions when they don’t feel they are getting answers.

Her journey has been difficult, but Seltzer said it has also changed her perspective on life.

She described the experience as a nightmare that ultimately became a blessing in unexpected ways, giving her greater appreciation for her family, her health and the people who stood beside her.

Now in remission, she is focused on what comes next.

“I’m grateful to be here,” Seltzer said. “If telling my story can help another woman, then it is worth sharing.”

For more information about Broward Health’s cancer services, visit BrowardHealth.org/BeatCancer.