Uterine cancer survivor in the Sault stresses early detection
September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and a Sault Ste. Marie woman is using the occasion to tell her own story of survival.
Karen Gillgrass is looking to spread the word on uterine cancer, a common illness that is not widely known.
Gillgrass recently received a clean bill of health from her doctor, having successfully completed her treatment. She counts herself lucky as she initially dismissed her symptoms.
“The symptoms are very hard to distinguish,” said Gillgrass. “Being a woman of my age, I am post-menopausal, and so I had post-menopausal bleeding. But it really wasn’t enough to be concerning.”
Gillgrass spent 40 years working in the health care field. At the time of her diagnosis, she was about to embark on a trip to the U.S., and wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong before departing.
“As soon as I saw my doctor, she knew that there was something wrong,” said Gillgrass.
“She sent me for tests and I went on my trip ... I came home and she told me the news that I have uterine cancer.”
Dr. Allison Pihelgas, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, said the clinic sees a surprising number of uterine cancer cases. If detected early, she said it's easily treatable.
“It shows itself pretty early, and so that’s why it’s really important for women to go to their doctor if anything is abnormal and go to regular screening,” said Pihelgas.
Sad cases
However, she said many women tend to ignore their health, which sometimes leads to tragedy.
“There are sad cases where it’s left for a really long time,” she said.
“And often you see women who have been suffering with this for years before they see a physician.”
It’s been a year since Gillgrass had her surgery and was told recently that she is still cancer-free. She credits staff at Sault Area Hospital’s Cancer Clinic for her recovery.
“I’m so proud of my doctors and how they took care of me,” said Gillgrass.
“And when I walked through those doors at the Sault Area Hospital, I felt safe.”
Both Gillgrass and Pihelgas said there needs to be more talk about feminine cancers and that women need to pay more attention to their health.
They continue to encourage regular checkups and stress the importance of early detection.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.