“I was 61 years old when I started to have some spotting. That post-menopausal bleeding was a clear sign something was wrong.” When Gwen noticed this red flag symptom for endometrial cancer, she quickly contacted her family doctor. An ultrasound and biopsy confirmed her diagnosis of endometrial cancer, but it would be a few more months before Gwen would learn how advanced her cancer was.
“I had a total hysterectomy to treat my endometrial cancer – including the removal of some lymph nodes and the omentum (a fatty layer in the upper abdomen). It was during this surgery that they found out that my endometrial cancer had spread to my right ovary, three lymph nodes on my right side, and my cervix,” shares Gwen.
While most women are diagnosed with endometrial cancer in the early stages (1 or 2), there are some like Gwen who are diagnosed at stage 3. Yet until now, those facing this cancer have not had an organization dedicated to meeting their unique needs.
Finding Cancer Support
Like so many of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Gwen was left feeling alone and fearful of what was to come after her diagnosis.
“I had a lot of support from my family during my treatment, and I know how important that is for dealing with cancer, but even though they wanted to help as much as possible, they couldn’t give me the unique emotional support I needed. They just didn’t have the experience with cancer that I was having,” shares Gwen.
That’s where Ovarian Cancer Canada’s support became a valuable tool. “At one of my appointments at the cancer centre, I saw a poster about an ovarian cancer support group. I thought, ‘I don’t have ovarian cancer, but I have gynecological cancer, and I wanted someone to talk to.’ By joining this group that no one wants to join, I felt like I belonged.”
OVdialogue is our peer support online forum
Accessible 24/7, OVdialogue connects you with others living with or affected by ovarian cancer so you can share your experience, find and provide support, and much more.
Peer-to-peer support
Our peer-to-peer support program can relieve your worries. You’ll speak over the phone one-on-one with someone who truly gets what you’re going through.
Teal Teas, monthly virtual drop-in support
Teal Teas bring together people in a friendly and trusting environment, You’re able to share information, experiences and conversation with others to learn from and support each other.
The support group Gwen joined was one that Ovarian Cancer Canada often collaborates with on events and educational opportunities. Through these shared connections, Gwen discovered more about the programs offered by Ovarian Cancer Canada and found more of what she was looking for: “It’s a great atmosphere. There’s always somebody you can talk to. Networking at meetings, hearing new ideas – it’s always changing. Through my involvement and now volunteering with Ovarian Cancer Canada, I’ve been able to keep learning and connecting. After hearing everybody’s stories, you’re always left feeling like — I can do this.”
Why Uniting Communities Matters
The experiences of women with ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer share many similarities.
There is no effective screening test for either cancer – leading to late ovarian cancer diagnoses for most women and some missed chances to diagnose early-stage endometrial cancer, like Gwen. From the physical side effects of treatment and emotional challenges following diagnosis, to the inequities within the healthcare system, Canadians diagnosed with endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer can now find and offer support to each other through our suite of support programs.
Ovarian Cancer Canada extends its support to include women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, uniting those affected by both gynecologic cancers in hope and solidarity, creating a strong network of support for all women facing these uniquely female cancers.
Our peer-powered online forum is a dedicated space for Canadians facing ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer to find information and support from each other
Through one-on-one phone conversations with someone else who has been diagnosed with ovarian or endometrial cancer, you will find emotional support, practical advice and comfort from someone who truly gets what you’re going through.
Teal Teas unite women in intimate, small-group settings to find support from each other – “These have had such a profound impact on me,” shares an anonymous attendee diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “I’ve been dealing with my diagnosis quietly, but meeting and listening to these amazing women has left me feeling truly seen… my spirits have lifted in ways I cannot fully describe.”
Hopes for the Future
Understanding the complex experiences Canadian women face when navigating their healthcare is what Ovarian Cancer Canada does best.
And now, those impacted by endometrial cancer will get the support they need, when and how they need it.
While Gwen continues treatment today in the hopes of reducing the size of her cancer, she is motivated by her experience to support other women in our community. As a peer support volunteer with Ovarian Cancer Canada, Gwen connects with Canadians facing ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer to share their breakthroughs, fears and encouragement: “I got this disease for a reason, and if I can help someone, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Join OVdialogue, find support through our Peer Support Program or Teal Teas, and share your story.