Dawn Willis from Canterbury, Kent, shares her harrowing experience of misdiagnosing womb cancer symptoms as menopausal changes. Her story serves as a crucial reminder for early detection and seeking medical advice for any unusual health concerns.
Dawn Willis, a resident of Canterbury, Kent, mistook the signs of womb cancer for symptoms of menopause. For about a year, she experienced vaginal bleeding before her family urged her to consult her GP when her abdomen became noticeably swollen. Unbeknownst to her, the bleeding was a symptom of cancer, and she was later diagnosed with advanced womb cancer . Expressing her regret, Ms. Willis stated, 'I'm so angry with myself for ignoring it.
If I had waited even just a couple more months, I don't think I'd be here today.' She initially attributed the bleeding to the various bodily changes she was undergoing during menopause. 'I'm always the first one to advise people to see a doctor, so I don't know why I left it for so long,' she confessed. 'My advice to everyone is that if something isn't right, don't leave it. Visit your GP and get yourself checked out.' The cancer treatment had a significant impact on her health, resulting in a perforated bowel due to radiation damage. Now she lives with a stoma, hoping for its reversal soon. Despite her initial fear of hospitals, Ms. Willis's experience at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust changed her perspective. 'After my diagnosis, all I could say to the staff was to keep me alive, do whatever it takes,' she shared. 'I love my life, so I wasn't ready to go anywhere. And the only thing I felt was safe and reassured that they were going to fix me.' The NHS highlights that the primary symptoms of womb cancer include vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause, heavy periods, vaginal bleeding between periods, and a change in vaginal discharge. While these symptoms don't necessarily indicate cancer, it's crucial to have them checked by a GP. The NHS emphasizes, 'Do not wait to contact a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it's easier to treat.
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