Jessie's brave shave for uterine cancer

Down there is just as important as the pair!!!!
Hi my name is Jess and I've decided to raise funds and awareness for a cause that's very close to my heart. Cancer! Not cancer of the lung, or breast, or bowel, or prostrate or other "well known and talked about cancers".

I want to talk about Uterine Cancer.
What is it? Uterine cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed gynaecological cancers affecting Australian women. But why is it not talked about enough? When we think about gynaecological cancers we often hear stories of the "silent killer" ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer and how important it is to have regular pap tests. But how often do we hear about uterine cancer and the risk factors for this?

Uterine cancer is cancer that begins from abnormal cells in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) or the muscle tissues (myometrium). The main symptom of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding, particularly if the cancer occurs after menopause. The most common type of uterine cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. This is called endometrial cancer. And this is what I was diagnosed with in September 2016 and my life has never been the same.

Did you know the average age at time of diagnosis is 55-60 years? Did I mention I was only 29 years old when I was told I had this cancer? I know... WTF right?!

My young age is the reason it took over 6 months to get a diagnosis from when I first started showing symptoms. My young age is also the reason I'm trying to raise awareness now. I want to let everyone know that you don't have to be over 40, 50, or 60 to get this type of cancer. In fact, if you have a uterus and you have had unopposed estrogen for a long period of time (think polycystic ovarian syndrome, starting periods before the age of 12, being overweight because fat produces excess estrogen) then you could be at risk.

One of the first things I did when I was newly diagnosed was to seek out a local face to face support groups. I was alarmed to find that even though Hunter New England Health has many presentations of women with gynaecological cancers, there are limited face to face support options available. Everywhere I looked there were supports for women with breast cancer. But where was the support for gynaecological cancers like mine? It's like the world seemed to be gloating at me, saying "sorry you got the cancer nobody celebrates with the pink ribbons, cute water bottles or fun runs!"

So in this spirit I am aiming to raise funds for the Cancer Council NSW (Hunter Branch) to fund a support group for women with gynaecological cancers in the Newcastle Region. I don't know how much it costs to run these types of groups, however if I am able to raise any money I hope it can go towards supports for women and their families suffering from gynaecological cancers like uterine, cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulval cancer.

I am currently going through radiation therapy and will finish my active treatment at the end of March 2017. I am one of the "lucky ones" who doesn't have to go through the horror of losing my hair because I am not having chemotherapy. I have decided that $1500 sounds like a good figure to start with. If raise under this amount then I will colour my hair. But if I can reach my target or beyond then I will shave my own hair, in honour of all the cancer patients and survivors who have lost their hair and dignity before me.

Any donations above this amount, I would like to donate towards Genesis Cancer Care at Lake Marcquarie to pay for someone else's treatment who cannot afford it or are in financial hardship.

I will be aiming to shave my hair on Saturday 8th April 2017 at Rebbecca Lane Hairdressing in Branxton. Rebbecca is a multi award winning stylist with over 14 years experience and has a passion for creative colouring and styling. Rebbecca has kindly donated her time to help me with shaving or colouring my hair on the day at her Maitland Road, Branxton Salon.

Donations can be made through this platform and are secure and will be remitted directly through to the Cancer Council NSW Hunter Branch. Thank you for your support and please join me in my brave shave for uterine cancer #jessiesuterinecancerbattle #jessiesbraveshaveforuterinecancer