Andria Thompson’s menstrual cycle became irregular in her 40s, but she was told the changes were ‘normal.’ However, the bleeding became heavier, and she experienced clotting and pain, prompting her to seek medical attention.
She was told to wait six months to see a specialist, but her symptoms worsened, and she was eventually admitted to the hospital, where she received a diagnosis of endometrial cancer.
Dealing with Uncertainty
Thompson had never heard of endometrial cancer before and had to research it herself after her diagnosis. She said, “I didn’t know what was wrong. I just knew that I was in a lot of pain, and I knew that something was not right with my body.”
As an educator, Thompson continued teaching despite being in constant pain, but she eventually had to leave her job and spent close to a year bedridden due to her symptoms.
Thompson’s experience highlights the need for more education and awareness about endometrial cancer, which is one of the most common gynecologic cancers in Canada.
Thompson’s oncologist recognized a potential new treatment being trialled in the United States that could work for her, and she fared better with the trial medication. She also changed her diet to help her body heal from the cancer.
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Raising Awareness
Thompson is now an advocate for endometrial cancer awareness and encourages women to be mindful of their bodies and to push for testing if they experience any changes. She said, “I believe that once we get that information out to women, when you know something, you’re better prepared to handle it if you were diagnosed.”
The first annual Endometrial Cancer Awareness Week, launched by GSK Canada, aims to raise awareness about the disease and its symptoms. Thompson welcomes this initiative, saying, “I really firmly believe that this is so needed.”
Thompson’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking medical attention if something feels off. She is now a published author and works with other women to create inspiring books, and she plans to write another about her cancer experience.
Today, Thompson is grateful for a second chance at life and is doing everything she can to bring awareness about endometrial cancer and the importance of early detection and second opinions. She continues to mentor a group of ladies and is part of a group of women working on a publication to inspire other women.
The first annual Endometrial Cancer Awareness Week runs from Sept. 14 to Sept. 20, and Thompson hopes that it will help close the gap in endometrial cancer knowledge and encourage women to take control of their health. She is currently working on a new book and speaks on podcasts and at engagements to share her story and raise awareness about the disease.
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