Although it may be the most common gynaecological cancer it is still very much a second class cancer. It is not given the media coverage that other female cancers get and it has no national awareness campaign.
We, as women who have or have had womb cancer, need to step up and share our story and let the world see who we are. Women of all ages, shapes and sizes; women who are Mothers, Wives, Sisters, Daughters. Strong women whose lives have been changed dramatically by a womb cancer diagnosis.
Why women who have been diagnosed with womb cancer are not treated with the same level of respect as those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer baffles me. Think I’m over reacting? I’ve heard from many women who have been told “it’s only your womb – it’s not as if you need it anymore” or “You should be thankful you didn’t have breast cancer” or “you’ve got the easy cancer”.
The emotional and psychological side effects of any cancer diagnosis is often overlooked but when it’s a cancer that affects the very part of you that makes you a woman then it can be so much harder to come to terms with.
As the number of younger women being diagnosed rises, these issues become even more complex. Many younger women are being diagnosed with womb cancer before they have had the chance to have children of their own and the heartbreak that brings with it can be hard to overcome. Not only are these women dealing with a cancer diagnosis; major surgery; having treatment and going into early menopause but they are also having to deal with infertility and the fact they will never become natural Mothers.
Even those women who are beyond child bearing age often feel an extreme sense of loss of womanhood. The lack of emotional and psychological support and aftercare is very patchy across the UK. There are some good examples of support out there but sadly not every woman gets the support and help they need.
The women you see on our FB page are all ages and have different diagnoses but they all share the same determination to make sure that womb cancer gets more recognition.
As we reach the end of womb cancer awareness month, together we will make sure that we do what we can to raise awareness.
Xx Kaz xx