Retired from the Brazilian women's volleyball national team since 2024, Ana Carolina 'Carol' da Silva was fighting her own personal battle outside the courts during the summer, when her former teammates traveled around the world to compete in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026.
Currently playing for Nebraska in the American League One Volleyball (LOVB), the 35-year-old middle blocker recently shared on social media the details of a health condition she had to deal with, delivering an incredibly impactful message about the importance of self-care and prevention.
Married to former Dutch national team captain Anne Bujis, Carol revealed that in April, during a routine check-up, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
"I was diagnosed in April, have already completed the entire treatment and am feeling very well," she said. "I had surgery in June, and then again in August. This was an extremely challenging period, in which I received a lot of information and had to make important decisions that will impact the rest of my life. But the most important thing is that I'm well and ready to live and to continue doing what I love."
