LONDON (FN) — British actress Alex Kingston has disclosed her diagnosis and treatment for womb cancer, following a hemorrhage while performing on stage. The 62-year-old star, known for her roles in ER and Doctor Who, shared her experience publicly for the first time in an interview published Friday, describing the ordeal as “earth-shattering.”
“I had assumed that the way I was feeling was old age, and I just sort of accepted it,” Kingston told The Independent. “I thought, ‘OK, this is what it’s like to be in my sixties.’ But a lot of how I was feeling was to do with my illness.”
Kingston said she had experienced bloating, persistent aches, and fatigue for years before seeking medical help. Her decision to consult a doctor came after she noticed blood in her urine, which led to a diagnosis of uterine cancer affecting her fallopian tubes. “Even though my body was telling me something was very seriously wrong, I kept thinking, ‘Oh, I’ve got a bad UTI or fibroids,’” she said.
Following the diagnosis, Kingston underwent a hysterectomy and radiation therapy, completing treatment late last year. “I had a major operation. I had to go into radiation therapy, and that took up a huge part of my life,” she said. Her recovery journey has inspired her to join Strictly Come Dancing, which she described as a way to reclaim joy and vitality after a difficult year.
Womb cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is the most common gynecological cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK and the NHS, early symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause, heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, bloating, and changes in vaginal discharge. Treatment typically involves surgery—often a hysterectomy—followed by radiation therapy, and in some cases, chemotherapy or hormone therapy depending on the stage and spread of the disease.
Kingston’s openness has been praised by health advocates, who say her story highlights the importance of recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely medical care. “Your body does try to warn you,” Kingston said. “It just depends on whether you can read the warning signs.”
She also emphasized the emotional toll of the diagnosis. “I never went down the cancer road in my head,” she said. “It was a shock, because I have a very positive outlook on life in general.”
Medical experts note that early detection significantly improves survival rates. “Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment, and when caught early, womb cancer is highly treatable,” said Dr. Sangeeta Khinder, a consultant gynecologist at London Gynaecology. “Regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms are critical.”
Kingston said she hopes her experience encourages others to listen to their bodies and advocate for their well-being. “Life is too short—go for whatever it is you secretly long to do,” she said.
