“Six months ago, I’d never even heard of uterine cancer. Today, I’m living with Stage 2 uterine carcinoma, and my body has become what I can only describe as a “live-in stranger” – some days we get along just fine, other days we’re having a proper tiff,” shares Anonymous.
Did You Know?
Uterine cancer or cancer of the uterus is also known as “womb” cancer.
The most common form of uterine cancer, affects the lining of the uterus (womb), known as the endometrium. This is known as endometrial cancer.
Cancer of the uterus is the 6th most common cancer affecting women in SA (when non-melanoma skin cancers are included in the top cancers). 1 in 129 women are at risk for being diagnosed with uterine cancer (NCR 2023)
CANSA
Red Flags
Anonymous continues,” Looking back, the signs were there, waving at me. Heavy periods became irregular periods, which then became periods that outstayed their welcome. Eventually, I had a period that simply refused to leave, accompanied by bloating, pelvic pain, severe back pain, and fatigue that crept up on me like load shedding during dinner prep.
The real red flag? Internal procedures at the gynaecologist became unbearable – inserting a tampon felt like someone was renovating my insides with a jackhammer. If I’d known then what I know now about uterine cancer, I would have advocated much stronger for myself during those gynaecologist visits that started in 2023.”
Symptoms may include:
abnormal vaginal discharge
abnormal vaginal bleeding (high volumes between periods)
long and heavier than normal menstrual bleeding
pain or pressure in the pelvic area (especially when urinating or during sexual intercourse)
CANSA
Diagnosis Frustratingly Slow
“My journey to diagnosis was like navigating Johannesburg traffic – frustrating, slow, and requiring multiple route changes. Initially, I was told my womb lining was thicker than it should be and given medication for the heavy bleeding. When that never-ending period persisted this year, my lining was found to be extremely thick, leading to a D&C procedure.
The biopsy revealed pre-cancerous abnormal cells, and I was referred to a gynaecologist oncologist who immediately identified cancer and a tumour growing in my uterus. After a full battery of tests – CT scans, blood work, mammogram – I underwent an immediate total abdominal hysterectomy in April 2025.
The final pathology confirmed Stage 2 cancer.”
Are You at Risk?
Women that…
are 50 and older
have diabetes
have a family history of uterine cancer or endometrial polyps
have an infrequent menstrual cycle (possibly making it difficult or impossible to fall pregnant)
menses starting before age of 12 yrs
have used oestrogen replacement therapy without the use of progesterone
Women with these lifestyle risk factors:
poor dietary habits
being overweight and inactive
consuming alcohol
smoking.
Are at a higher risk for uterine cancer.
