Andria Thompson’s menstrual cycle became irregular in her 40s, and she was told it was a normal change. However, the bleeding became heavier, and she experienced clotting and pain, prompting her to seek medical attention.
Thompson was initially told to wait six months to see a specialist, but her symptoms worsened, and she was eventually admitted to the hospital. It was there that she received her diagnosis: endometrial cancer.
Thompson had never heard of endometrial cancer before, and her lack of knowledge added to her confusion and uncertainty. She tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, continuing to teach her classes despite being in constant pain.
As an educator, Thompson assigned work to her students, but she was not at her best, and her symptoms interrupted her daily life. She eventually had to leave teaching and spent close to a year bedridden due to her condition.
After her diagnosis, Thompson had to research endometrial cancer herself, as she was not provided with much information by her doctor. It wasn’t until she met with her oncology doctor that she began to understand her condition.
Thompson believes that there needs to be more education about endometrial cancer, similar to breast cancer awareness. She thinks that if she had known more about the disease, she could have advocated for herself earlier.
This week marks the first annual Endometrial Cancer Awareness Week, launched by GSK Canada to raise awareness about the disease.
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Thompson’s experience with endometrial cancer has made her an advocate for others. She wants women to be mindful of their bodies and to know when to push for testing. She also emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking a second opinion if necessary.
Thompson has written a book and speaks on podcasts and at engagements to share her story and raise awareness about endometrial cancer. She is grateful for the awareness week and believes that it will help close the gap in knowledge about the disease.
The Endometrial Cancer Awareness Week runs from September 14 to September 20, during Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month.
Thompson’s treatment journey was not straightforward, and she had to try different options before finding one that worked for her. She underwent chemotherapy, but her body did not respond well to it, and she had to explore other treatments.
Thompson’s experience has led her to become an advocate for women’s health, particularly when it comes to endometrial cancer. She emphasizes the importance of women being aware of their bodies and recognizing when something is not right.
She encourages women to push for testing if they are experiencing unusual symptoms, and to seek a second opinion if necessary. Thompson’s own experience with endometrial cancer has taught her the value of being proactive and advocating for oneself.
