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Alex Kingston, known for her appearances on hit shows such as ER and Doctor Who, opened up about her battle with uterine cancer in a recent interview.
As the first sign that something was wrong, the actress began bleeding on stage in 2024, but ultimately continued on with the show. Doctors diagnosed her after six weeks. have cancer.
“Your body is trying to warn you,” the 62-year-old star said. independent person. “It all depends on being able to read the warning signs.”
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“I thought this is how I felt. old ageAnd I kind of accepted it,” Kingston continued, noting that she had been experiencing bloating and pain for years.
Kingston dismissed obvious signs of uterine cancer as typical aging, but experts say this mistake could cost a woman her life.
Alex Kingston, known for her appearances on hit shows such as ER and Doctor Who, opened up about her battle with uterine cancer in a recent interview. (Barry Breshuisen/Getty Images)
Uterine cancer, also known as “uterine cancer,” is a general term for cancer that begins in the uterus. The most frequent occurrence is postmenopausalAccording to the Cleveland Clinic.
There are two forms: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer is one of the most common reproductive cancers, while uterine sarcomas develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma is extremely rare, says the above source.
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Approximately 3% of women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point during their lifetime. Approximately 65,000 women are diagnosed each year.
Symptoms to watch out for
Symptoms of uterine cancer can be similar to other diseases, which may be why it goes undetected or ignored, as in Kingston’s case.
Approximately 65,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year, and 3% of women will develop uterine cancer during their lifetime. (St. Petersburg)
According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms may include:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps just below the stomach
- Pale white or clear vaginal discharge in postmenopausal women
- Prolonged, heavy, or frequent vaginal bleeding after age 40
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risk factors
Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of uterine cancer. The condition occurs when cells in the uterus mutate and grow out of control, which can form lumps called tumors, the Cleveland Clinic says.
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Many of the risk factors for uterine cancer are related to hormonal imbalances. obesity etc. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can both increase exposure to estrogen.
Other factors include age (most cases occur after age 50), diet (high-fat diets can increase cancer risk), and family history of the disease. people not pregnant Experts say the risks are also high.
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There are various treatments for uterine cancer. In Kingston’s case, she underwent radiation therapy and a hysterectomy. chemotherapy, Hormone therapy Immunotherapy may also be given during treatment.
She said Kingston ignored the bloating and pain for years until the diagnosis required life-saving surgery. (Alexandra Larka Dragoi/BAFTA via Getty Images)
During a hysterectomy, surgeons often remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people need this additional step to ensure all cancer is removed.
Doctors may also remove lymph nodes to determine whether the cancer has spread.
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early intervention
Uterine cancer can be deadly, but early diagnosis means potential. faster treatment And you’ll get better results.
Experts recommend that people with any symptoms should see their health care provider and get a pelvic exam.
Symptoms of uterine cancer include irregular bleeding and pelvic pain, but early diagnosis through medical evaluation leads to better treatment results. (St. Petersburg)
Your health care provider may also use a combination of blood tests and imaging scans to confirm the diagnosis.
“Uterine cancer is really nasty because it’s so sneaky,” Kingston told The Independent.
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“What I’m saying is, the body knows. And it’s the body telling me, ‘Help! Something is really wrong.'” It’s very important to seek advice and get tested. ”
FOX News Digital has reached out to Kingston’s representatives for comment.
