Uterine Cancer Survivor Fran Drescher, 63, Encourages People to ‘Overcome’ and Seize the Opportunity to ‘Grow’

This week, on Instagram, she pointed her followers to a book about living with inspiration called Every Word Matters: The Key to an Intentional Life by Caitlin Crosby. She called the book “wonderful” noting that it came with a necklace inscribed with the word “Overcome”.

“And I have, and I will continue to do so as life offers me the opportunities to grow, not always easy though,” Drescher said in an accompanying video.

Crosby is the founder of The Giving Keys, which employs those transitioning out of homelessness to make jewelry out of repurposed keys.

 

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Drescher’s Cancer Battle

Drescher was diagnosed with uterine cancer in June 2000. After two years of experiencing uterine cancer symptoms, Drescher received misdiagnoses from eight doctors. Then, she finally got a correct diagnosis. Drescher tells SurvivorNet in an earlier interview how the experience led her to feel scared and betrayed by her own body, as well as the medical community.

Related: 'I Push Forward': Meagan Good, 39, Who Had a Uterine Cancer Scare Years Ago, Shares Tips for Surviving Life's Challenges

She also says, “If you are a cancer patient or was just diagnosed with cancer, you may, undoubtedly, be very frightened. I know that I was. Some of the recommendations that I can make for you immediately is to open your world up to people, start looking at your lifestyle, become educated so that you can see what all of your options are. Because the best decision you make is an informed decision and to start increasing mind, body, and spirit balance as much as you can.”

Fran Drescher's Advice on How to Handle a Cancer Diagnosis

Understanding Uterine Cancer

Some people may be predisposed to uterine cancer. Dr. Diana English, a gynecologic oncologist at Stanford Medicine, says in a previous interview, “Uterine cancer and endometrial cancer are synonymous. It’s a cancer that’s coming from the lining of the uterus. That’s what endometrial cancer is.”

Related: Fran Drescher's New Sitcom Premieres This Week 'The Nanny' Alum Recently Spoke To SurvivorNet About Surviving Cancer & Honoring Your Body

“I think one of the challenges with uterine cancer is that it can also happen in younger patients that have certain conditions that might predispose them to cancer,” she says. “These patients might not be thinking about this, their primary care providers may not be speaking to them about this.”

Related: British Singer FKA Twigs, 32, Had Uterine Fibroids Surgically Removed; What Are Fibroids & Are They Connected to Cancer?

Dr. English outlines for SurvivorNet common risk factors of uterine cancer. They include:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (which is marked by the absence of regular periods)
• Obesity
• Hyperandrogenism (elevated male sex hormones)
• Lynch Syndrome

Understanding the Risks and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

 

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