Gynecologic Malignancies

Sue Volpe

In February 2009, Sue Volpe went to her gynecologist for her annual exam. She mentioned to the doctor that her periods were a little heavier than usual and that she occasionally skipped a month. Since Sue was 47 at the time, he suggested it may be the start of menopause - or something else. He offered to perform an endometrial biopsy, which is a simple procedure that often results in some cramping. Sue went home to think about it. Several months later, Sue's period lasted for two weeks and she began experiencing cramps. She decided to have the biopsy. One week later, Sue received the dreaded call. "My doctor said I had stage II endometrial cancer," she recalled. "I reached for a pen and paper because I knew that I would not remember another word he said."