Medical professionals are emphasising the importance for women to familiarise themselves with the signs of endometrial cancer as projections indicate a 50 per cent increase in cases by 2040. A Brisbane woman who was just forty years old at the time received a endometrial cancer diagnosis in 2021 and now shares her heartbreaking testimony, in hopes that it raises awareness for other women.
In Australia alone, approximately 3,300 cases of this cancer were diagnosed last year, marking a twofold rise compared to two decades ago.
Each year around 200 women have surgery at Mater to treat endometrial cancer.
Mater Private Hospital Brisbane gynaecological oncologist Dr Nisha Jagasia says, “We know that modern lifestyles mean that more people are living with obesity, which is a major health challenge in itself,” Dr Jagasia said.
“Early detection is essential. It is important to know the signs and risk factors of endometrial cancer.”
“Abnormal bleeding in pre-menopause, especially in women living with obesity, or any bleeding after menopause, should be investigated promptly.”
Victoria Asirifi was just 40 when she received an endometrial cancer diagnosis in 2021.
The social worker weighed 200kg at the time and had experienced heavy bleeding for “several months” before seeking advice from her general practitioner.
She received hormone therapy and also underwent gastric sleeve surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading, losing 60kgs in weight.
Dr Jagasia performed an open hysterectomy on Ms Asirifi in April, which included the removal of her fallopian tubes and ovaries, preventing the cancer from metastasising.
“Many women don’t know the correlation between being obese and endometrial cancer,” Ms Asirifi said.
“The chances of giving birth to my own children are gone.
“I hope my story helps someone else who is sitting in silence.”
Endometrial cancer accounts for 90-95 per cent of all uterine cancer cases and Mater doctors are using Uterine Cancer Awareness Month to urge women to seek medical attention for these symptoms:
• any bleeding in post-menopausal women
• persistent or abnormal bleeding in younger women
• discharge or pain in the pelvic area
• blood in urine
Victoria Asirifi is urging women to familiarise themselves with the signs of endometrial cancer in hopes of raising awareness to prevent future cases. Photo Josh Woning
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