Dawn Willis, aged 58, dismissed the vaginal bleeding she experienced as a natural part of menopause. However, when the bloating in her abdomen became noticeable, she sought medical attention and was diagnosed with advanced stage uterine cancer. After a long treatment process, Willis overcame the disease and warned women to be cautious of post-menopausal bleeding. Menopause is a natural period in which women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings due to hormonal changes. However, some symptoms may indicate serious health issues.

Willis ignored the vaginal bleeding that lasted for about a year, attributing it to menopause. But as the bloating in her abdomen became more pronounced, she finally went to the doctor at the insistence of her family. Tests revealed cancerous cells developing in the lining of her uterus, leading to the diagnosis of advanced stage uterine cancer. According to data from the National University Cancer Institute Singapore, uterine cancer is typically diagnosed in women in their 50s and 60s. The chances of successful treatment are significantly higher when the disease is diagnosed early.

However, patients like Willis may overlook symptoms by considering the changes during menopause as natural, potentially delaying the diagnosis. Post-menopausal bleeding may not always be a sign of cancer but it could indicate serious conditions. Experts point out that such bleeding may be related to conditions like uterine polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, or uterine cancer. Vaginal bleeding occurs in about 90% of uterine cancer cases. Therefore, any unexpected bleeding after menopause should undergo medical evaluation.

Willis focused on the treatment process after getting over the initial shock of the diagnosis and managed to beat the disease. However, due to the late diagnosis, she experienced bowel perforation, which had a significant impact on her quality of life. Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for regaining her health and urged women with the following message: “If I had taken the symptoms more seriously earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have had to undergo such a major surgery. I’ve learned to live with my stoma, but I could have avoided going through this process. So, I appeal to women: Please take any post-menopausal bleeding seriously and consult your doctor.”

Emphasizing that early diagnosis saves lives, Willis called on women who ignore post-menopausal bleeding to act consciously.