We would like to say a huge thank you to Amy Richardson who shares her person health story with us this month.  Her honesty in this piece is moving, and it should motivate us all to take a proactive approach to our health.  Thank you, Amy, for sharing this with us; we are delighted you are doing so well now.

Advocate for yourself, it might save your life

A year ago, if you had suggested I write a blog for Women's Health Month, I would have cringed at the idea. I’d probably have tried to hand the task off to someone else, feeling unqualified to speak on the topic. To be honest, I was blissfully unaware that Women's Health Month even existed! 

But here we are in 2025 and I’ve volunteered to share my story in the hope that it encourages other women to fight for their health and trust their instincts. So, what changed for me? In October, I became one of the approx. 9,700 women a year in the UK to be diagnosed with Womb Cancer.
Women’s Health Month purpose is to raise awareness about the unique health challenges women face and emphasise the need for better women’s healthcare. It aims to do this by raising awareness of common health issue that disproportionately affect women, by encouraging preventive care such as breast screening and smear tests, and also by highlighting the importance of empowering women to take control of their health by educating them on the importance of self-care, mental well-being, and seeking medical advice when necessary. This is crucial for women and can lead to the early detection of health issues, which in turn allows for more effective treatments and better long-term outcomes. 
Advocating for myself has been a crucial part of my journey. As I explain to the nurse in detail the symptoms I was experiencing and how they were affecting both my life and my career. She gave me a sympathetic smile and said, 'Welcome to your 40s.' While I’m sure her intention was kind, it came across as a bit dismissive. In that moment, I decided to stand up for myself. I refused to believe that, in 2023, women should simply accept debilitating symptoms as part of getting older. Even if it was just part of the aging process, I believed there had to be something that could be done to ease the symptoms. I'm glad I pushed for answers.
15 months later, I received the unexpected and devasting news I had Womb Cancer, Endometrial Cancer to be specific, and instead of enjoying a few glasses of wine at the office party this past Christmas, I found myself on strict rest following a major operation.
My goal in sharing my story on this incredible platform isn't to scare you, but to emphasize the importance of trusting your instincts when it comes to your health. It would have been easy to accept the nurse’s explanation that my symptoms were just part of aging (although, let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure I’m still in my 20s 😊), and simply continue suffering each month.
For Women's Health Month, don't ignore your symptoms. Don’t put them off because of a busy schedule or a big project—your health comes first. Educate yourself, but remember, just because someone else is experiencing similar symptoms doesn't mean they're 'normal.' Only you know what’s normal for your body. If something feels off, trust your instincts, make the call, and see your doctor. Early detection can make a huge difference in your health outcomes.
As for my journey, I consider myself one of the lucky ones. My cancer was detected early and treated aggressively with surgery. While life is forever changed, I’m here to share my story. Unfortunately, many aren't given that chance.