Know the Signs. Protect Your Health.

Gynaecologic cancers often go unnoticed. Don’t ignore persistent symptoms that could signal something serious.

Symptoms to watch for:
• Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling
• Continuous pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Pain during sex
• Fatigue that doesn’t go away

When to see a doctor:
If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t wait. Even if they seem minor or familiar, speak to your GP or practice nurse. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.

These signs aren’t exclusive to cancer - but they deserve attention. Your health matters.

Hayley’s Story

A 34-year-old woman who was diagnosed with womb cancer after putting off health checks is advocating for women to learn the symptoms and seek help when needed.

Hayley had always struggled with her periods; having been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she was used to episodes of heavy bleeding. But in early 2024, she started experiencing unusual back pain and incontinence - symptoms she initially dismissed as being part of getting older or related to her weight. Embarrassed, she didn’t seek medical advice or attend for her smear test. Her periods stopped for eight months.

Then, in January 2025, Hayley began bleeding heavily - and this time, it was noticeably different and wouldn’t stop. She told her partner she felt like she was going to pass out and, moments later, she lost consciousness.

When Hayley came round, she felt nauseous and confused. She was taken to hospital by Paramedics and seen by the emergency gynaecology team at The Grange University Hospital. The initial examination didn’t reveal anything unusual, and so an ultrasound was scheduled to investigate her symptoms further.

The scan showed a thickening of the uterine lining, and Hayley was prescribed medication to help thin it. But soon after, she experienced another episode of heavy bleeding and again lost consciousness. A biopsy was taken from her womb.

Five days later, Hayley began experiencing intense pain - “pain like I’ve never experienced before” and was admitted to hospital once again, where blood tests revealed an infection. She felt exhausted, nauseous, and had a high temperature.

As her symptoms worsened, further tests found that she was displaying early signs of sepsis - the body’s extreme reaction to infection. She was treated for sepsis, given a blood transfusion, and received iron infusions to address anaemia, with stronger antibiotics then helping her begin her recovery.

A week later, Hayley received a phone call from the gynaecology team asking her to come in urgently. The biopsy had revealed low-grade cancer. Further tests confirmed stage 1B uterine cancer that had spread into the muscle tissue of her uterus.

Although uterine cancer, also known as womb or endometrial cancer, is most commonly seen in postmenopausal women, anyone with a womb can be at risk. Sadly, PCOS increases the likelihood of developing the cancer at an earlier age for young women like Hayley.

Speaking of her diagnosis, Hayley said:

“We had a plan for our future, and in that moment, I thought, ‘Is all that going to change?’ ”

Thankfully, chemotherapy wasn’t required, but surgery was necessary to remove the cancerous growth. Throughout her diagnosis and treatment, Hayley felt supported by the nurses and staff. “I knew if I needed to talk to anybody, there was someone a phone call away,” she said. She was advised she would need a hysterectomy. “I was constantly kept up to date. They gave me such a good support system.”

She also received invaluable support from charities dedicated to helping young people navigate cancer diagnoses, most notably, the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity. The financial assistance they provided lifted a tremendous weight off her and her partner’s shoulders, easing the strain of being away from work during treatment.

As Hayley underwent the hysterectomy, her surgery was successful and she was discharged from hospital two days later. “I’d never had surgery before. I was nervous. Everything happened so quickly that I never really had time to think about it. But I felt completely safe,” she said.

Since then, Hayley’s been recovering at home, with regular follow-up calls from the gynaecology team. While her physical health has improved, Hayley admits her mental health took a hit. She continues to receive support from a range of charities and services, including the Health Board’s Weight Management Service, which has helped her make significant positive changes to her lifestyle.

Now, she’s passionate about raising awareness of womb cancer and women’s health. Speaking during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to highlight the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers, Hayley said:

“I had no idea what my symptoms meant. I wish I had sought medical attention sooner—this could’ve been prevented. I’d missed a few smear tests due to embarrassment. If I had gone to those appointments, they might have caught something sooner.”

While cervical smear tests aren’t able to diagnose womb cancer, they are able to detect abnormal cells and indicate when further tests are required.

Her message to other women is clear: “Prioritise your health. Advocate for yourself. It isn’t always a horror story - continue to seek help, keep going.”

Common symptoms of womb cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after menopause, between periods, or unusually heavy periods. Other signs may involve pelvic pain, changes in vaginal discharge, discomfort during sex, and altered bowel or bladder habits. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice from their GP.