Soap fans were left in shock after Cheryl Fergison revealed that she'd been diagnosed with womb cancer back in 2015.
The 58-year-old actor, who played Heather Trott on EastEnders for five years, recently opened up about her painful journey with the disease.
"I’d gone for a regular smear test - which had been clear - but I’d started having a lot of backache and then I began spotting blood, which wasn’t normal for me," she told The Mirror.
"I had been fitted with a coil to help with very heavy periods but somehow I just knew something didn’t feel right."
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Cheryl was referred by her GP for a biopsy and further tests, which revealed that she had Stage 2 womb cancer.
According to the NHS, womb or uterus cancer is a common cancer that typically starts in the lining of the womb.
"I was in absolute shock; stunned to the core. I couldn’t believe the doctor was talking about me," she said about the moment she received the diagnosis.
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Cheryl then underwent a full hysterectomy to remove her womb and was given the all-clear last year.
Now, she's talking about her experience with womb cancer in hopes of 'empowering other women'.
"I’ve been through a lot but I’m still here. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger," Cheryl added.
She also advised other women to 'listen to your body'.
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"Even if it’s the smallest concern - go and get checked because if you haven't got health, you've not got no wealth," Cheryl urged.
Womb cancer symptoms to look out
Around 27 women are diagnosed with the disease every day in the UK, as per Cancer Research. It is most common in women who have been through menopause.
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The NHS says that that the main symptoms of womb cancer are:
- Bleeding/spotting from the vagina after the menopause
- Heavy periods that are unusual for you
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- A change to vaginal discharge
Other signs to look out:
- A lump or swelling in your tummy or pelvic area
- Pain in your lower back or pelvis
- Pain during sex
- Blood in your urine
While many of these symptoms are common and can be caused by various other conditions, it is important to visit your GP to rule out anything serious.
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Health, NHS, Celebrity, Eastenders
Bec Oakes