Amy's Story

Hello, my name is Amy, I am a 27-year-old solicitor living and working in Manchester. In May 2022 I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, which is a form of womb cancer at the age of 25.

In February 2022 I attended my GP due to having heavy periods for several months. I put off making an appointment and misattributed this as being ‘normal’ for a long time. Abnormal bleeding, including bleeding that is unusually heavy or happens between periods is the most common symptom of womb cancer. I was not aware of this at the time.

Following my GP appointment, I was referred to a gynaecologist. I had an ultrasound scan of my womb which showed I had polyps growing in my womb. A polyp is an abnormal clump of cells that grow inside the body, polyps in the womb form as a result of cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) overgrowing due to high levels of oestrogen. Polyps are a common cause for irregular bleeding and are often benign (only 1-2% of endometrial polyps are cancerous in pre-menopausal women). Oestrogen and progesterone are hormones that control the womb lining. Oestrogen causes the growth of the womb lining and progesterone counteracts this growth.

In April 2022 I had a minor procedure to remove the polyps and a Mirena coil was inserted. The coil contains progesterone which seeks to control the levels of oestrogen in my body to prevent polyps forming again.

In my follow up consultation I was unfortunately informed that the histology showed endometrial cancer. Following an MRI, I was diagnosed with Stage 1A endometrial cancer. The usual treatment for womb cancer like mine is a total hysterectomy. However, due to my early diagnosis, my age and the fact that I sought to preserve my fertility, I was deemed suitable for conservative treatment. This was in the form of 3-monthly hysteroscopies over a 12 month period. At each hysteroscopy a Mirena Coil was inserted as hormonal treatment. This has to date prevented the need for a total hysterectomy. The treatment seeks to give me the opportunity of having children in the future, if possible.

I had a further two hysteroscopies in 2022 and one in early 2023. Histology improved each time. My current treatment plan is to keep the Mirena Coil in situ and a further ultrasound scan and possible further hysteroscopy in early 2024.

I feel incredibly fortunate that my cancer was diagnosed at the earliest possible stage which has allowed me to have this fertility sparing treatment compared to a life altering hysterectomy. Despite the fact I hesitated for a long time before booking to see my GP. I am hopeful that my cancer will be cured and that I have been given the opportunity to seek to have children if that is in my future.

My aim in writing is to urge women to attend their GP when they are suffering with symptoms such as abnormal bleeding. Lady garden do wonderful work to raise awareness of the 5 gynaecological cancers, especially in younger women. Knowing the symptoms to look out for is vastly important. Sadly, there is a stigma to having dialogue on gynaecological matters. I did not tell several friends, family or colleagues about my diagnosis as I was too embarrassed of open dialogue on the topic. Talking about and understanding the symptoms of the 5 gynae cancers will save lives.

I write this blog to join the conversation and ensure that these cancers are #SilentNoMore.  

Amy’s instagram - @amyjanesmethurst