Alex Kingston ignored subtle warning signs of cancer until she collapsed on stage

Alex Kingston, known for her roles on hit shows like “ER” and “Doctor Who,” revealed her battle with uterine cancer in a recent interview.

At the first sign that something was wrong, the actress began hemorrhaging on stage in 2024, then eventually continued with the show. It was only six weeks later that doctors diagnosed him with cancer.

“Your body is trying to warn you,” the 62-year-old said. The Independent. “It just depends on your ability to read the warning signs.”

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“I had assumed that what I was feeling was old age, and I kind of accepted it,” Kingston continued, noting that she had suffered from bloating and aches for years.

Kingston dismissed the telltale signs of uterine cancer as typical aging, a mistake that experts say can cost women their lives.

Alex Kingston, known for her roles on hit shows like “ER” and “Doctor Who,” revealed her battle with uterine cancer in a recent interview. (Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)

Uterine cancer, sometimes called “uterine cancer,” is a general term describing cancer that forms in the uterus. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it most often develops after menopause.

There are two forms: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial is one of the most common reproductive cancers, while uterine sarcoma develops in the muscular lining of your uterus. Uterine sarcomas are very rare, the source said above.

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About 3% of women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point in their lives. Each year, approximately 65,000 women are diagnosed.

Symptoms to watch out for

Symptoms of uterine cancer can resemble other conditions, which could explain why they may go unnoticed or even ignored, as in Kingston’s case.

Around 65,000 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year, 3% of them during their lifetime. (iStock)

Symptoms may include the following, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

• Vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause
• Lower abdominal pain or cramping just below the stomach
• Thin, white, or clear vaginal discharge in postmenopausal women
• Prolonged, heavy or frequent vaginal bleeding after age 40

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Risk factors

Researchers aren’t sure of the exact cause of uterine cancer. The disease occurs when cells in the uterus mutate and multiply uncontrollably, which can form a mass called a tumor, says the Cleveland Clinic.

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Many risk factors for uterine cancer are associated with hormonal imbalances, such as obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which can increase estrogen exposure.

Other factors include age (most cases occur after age 50), diet (a high-fat diet may increase cancer risk), and family history of the disease. People who haven’t been pregnant are also at higher risk, experts say.

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There are a range of treatment approaches for uterine cancer. In Kingston’s case, she underwent radiation therapy and a hysterectomy. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy may also occur during treatment.

Kingston ignored bloating and aches for years before a diagnosis forced her to undergo life-saving surgery, she shared. (Alecsandra Raluca Dragoi/BAFTA via Getty Images)

During a hysterectomy, surgeons often perform procedures to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Most people need this extra step to ensure any cancer is removed, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Doctors may also perform a procedure to remove lymph nodes and determine if the cancer has spread.

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Early intervention

Although uterine cancer can be fatal, early diagnosis means potentially faster treatment and better outcomes.

People with symptoms should speak to a healthcare professional and have a pelvic exam, experts recommend.

Symptoms of uterine cancer include irregular bleeding and pelvic pain, but early diagnosis through medical evaluation can lead to better treatment results. (iStock)

A provider may also use a combination of blood tests and imaging to confirm a diagnosis.

“Womb cancer is really tricky because it’s very sneaky,” Kingston told The Independent.

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“What I would say is that the body knows – and it’s the body that says, ‘Help! There’s something seriously wrong.’ It’s so important to seek advice and have a check-up.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Kingston’s representative for comment.