A 58-year-old woman from Kent has shared her story of being diagnosed with advanced womb cancer after initially dismissing symptoms as a sign of menopause. Dawn Willis had been experiencing vaginal bleeding for about a year, but it was only when her abdomen started to swell that she sought medical advice.
Dawn’s diagnosis led her to raise awareness about the importance of seeking medical attention early. According to NHS guidelines, primary symptoms of womb cancer may include post-menopausal vaginal bleeding, unusually heavy periods, and changes in vaginal discharge.
After being diagnosed with advanced womb cancer, Dawn underwent a year of treatment and made a full recovery. However, she experienced serious side effects, including radiation damage that resulted in a stoma.
Dawn urges others to take her experience as a warning, emphasizing the importance of getting checked out if symptoms persist or change. She believes that if someone can see themselves in her situation, they will think “I’ve got that – I’ll get checked.”
Dawn’s message is clear: don’t delay seeking medical attention for any new symptoms or changes to your body. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome of cancer diagnosis.
Source: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/health/menopause-symptoms-ignored-womb-cancer-9935384