It is pretty clear that one of the best ways of raising awareness is when people tell their story – many cancer charities and organisations use this method of awareness raising and many cancer patients are willing to come forward and publicly share their story of their particular cancer journey.
However, for some reason it has been difficult to get womb cancer ladies to come forward and be open about their journey. Some have shared their story on our website but it’s always been anonymous. I’ve always been keen to get as many women as possible to share their story but often the only way they will agree to it is if they remain anonymous.
I have always been happy to talk publicly about my diagnosis and find it quite easy to talk about it. However I do understand that some women feel uncomfortable talking about this subject. One woman actually said to me that it was too much like talking about sex!!! Not sure what kind of sex she is into but unless more women are willing to come forward and share their story then womb cancer will for ever be the hidden cancer.
With increasing numbers of women being diagnosed, especially many younger women, it’s vital that we get womb cancer the same amount of attention as breast, cervical or other any other cancers that affect women. We can’t keep our heads in the sand and hope it will go away. Latest figures show that 23 women a day in UK are being diagnosed with womb cancer and the numbers are increasing and will keep on increasing unless we can make sure that all women know about the risk factors and the signs and symptoms to look out for. The only way for that to happen is if we do all we can to raise the profile of womb cancer.
There is no national awareness campaign for womb cancer and there is unlikely to be one in the near future so it is left to women like us; those that have been through this journey, to do what we can to raise awareness.
If you have been diagnosed with womb cancer and would be willing to share your story then please email me at wcsuk@hotmail.co.uk.
xx Kaz xx