A third of women have taken sick leave because of symptoms relating to their gynaecological health.
We sat down with Mandy earlier this month to discuss how her diagnosis of early-stage womb cancer impacted her working life.
Mandy first noticed the symptoms of abnormal bleeding at a work event she attended in January 2018. This was unusual for her as she hadn’t had a period for 4 1/2 years, since she was 50. Following the advice of her mum to speak to her GP about her symptoms, she received a diagnosis of Stage 1A womb cancer in April.
When you were diagnosed with womb cancer, did you feel comfortable sharing your diagnosis with colleagues?
I work for a voluntary organisation where most of those in authority are men. Typically, at work we don’t have wellbeing conversations beyond “You alright?” and everyone responds “I’m fine” even if they’re not.
Initially, it was hard to discuss my diagnosis with colleagues because I did not know enough about womb cancer. I knew of ovarian cancer because my mother-in-law had sadly passed away two years previously. But I knew I wanted to tell them; I was just unsure of how to. Especially as womb cancer is so personal, in particular to a woman.
What was your experience of informing your colleagues about your diagnosis?
When I was diagnosed, I needed to attend a large work convention in Basingstoke. I addressed a group to tell them (the majority of whom were men), I knew they wouldn’t know what it meant. I said I had been diagnosed with what was thought to be the early stages of womb cancer (endometrial would have gone over their heads) and that I would be having a hysterectomy in a weeks’ time. I even explained by saying ‘the womb’ is where babies are before birth, as I could see the blank expressions on their faces.
At the end, only one of the guys came up and gave me a hug but he was going through cancer treatment himself. I think they just didn’t know what to say to me.
Did you face any challenges returning to work after your diagnosis?
Coming up to my diagnosis and even after, I suddenly had all these health checks and treatment pathways that I obviously needed time off to attend. Also importantly, I needed time to wrap my head around everything. I remember when my hysterectomy was booked, I had asked what time I could have off and never received a reply. So, I returned to work six weeks after my hysterectomy. On reflection, I went to work far too soon, I know that now. At the time I felt it was difficult asking for time off. I wanted to continue being the good employee that shows up to work and gets her job done with no fuss.
In my workplace, we often have a change of voluntary positions. This meant I had to introduce myself with an explanation of my diagnosis and re-live the awkwardness of the other person not knowing what to say.
How do you feel The Every Woman Promise programme could make a difference to women like you who are going through gynaecological health issues whilst working?
Well, having someone come in and speak to me and others in the workplace about gynae cancers would have removed the awkwardness I felt talking about it at work. Also, knowing that there is an organisation out there that offers support would have helped my understanding with my diagnosis and knowing immediately where to begin to look for information that’s correct.
I think for my organisation, or any others like it, it may have helped them know what happens at appointments, why it is important to attend, which would then have made it easier to discuss time off to attend the appointments and recover fully after.
Nearly 1 in 5 women we surveyed (Yougov, July 23) would feel uncomfortable talking to their boss about gynaecological cancers.
That is why the Every Woman Promise programme exists. To support women, like Mandy, in the workplace, help challenge taboos that exist around all things gynae, raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of gynae cancers and create a culture where women are encouraged to attend life-saving appointments.
If you and your organisation would like to join our free programme, please contact us via our online form below.