By Steven McIntosh, Entertainment Reporter, BBC
Actress Alex Kingston, known for her iconic roles in ER and Doctor Who, has bravely revealed that she was diagnosed with womb cancer last year. The 62-year-old actress, who is currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, opened up about her diagnosis, the treatment she underwent, and how it has reshaped her outlook on life.
In an emotional interview with The Independent, Kingston shared the details of her journey, which included a hysterectomy and radiation therapy. Despite her illness, Kingston maintained her typically positive attitude throughout her battle, though she admitted that she had initially misunderstood the symptoms she was experiencing.
A Silent Struggle
Kingston explained that she had been feeling unwell for some time, but like many, she attributed her symptoms to the natural aging process. “I had assumed that the way I was feeling was old age, and I just sort of accepted it,” she said. “I thought, ‘OK, this is what it’s like to be in my sixties.’” She had been experiencing bloating and aches, but it wasn’t until she noticed blood in her urine that she sought medical attention.
“I never went down the cancer road in my head,” Kingston confessed. “It was a shock, because I have a very positive outlook on life in general.” Despite the physical signs of illness, she initially dismissed the idea of something being seriously wrong, attributing her symptoms to a bad urinary tract infection (UTI) or even fibroids.
However, after further medical examination, she was diagnosed with womb cancer that had spread to her fallopian tubes but had not yet reached her ovaries. “The minute I had the operation, I suddenly felt like myself again,” she said, reflecting on the moment after her hysterectomy. The procedure was a life-changing one, and Kingston expressed relief as it marked the beginning of her recovery.
The Treatment Process
The 2024 year for Kingston was dominated by her health battle, from the shock of the diagnosis to the intensive treatment. “I had a major operation,” she said. “I had to have a hysterectomy, I had to go into radiation therapy, and that took up a huge part of my life.” This period of intense physical and emotional strain affected her both personally and professionally, but she emphasized that she felt like herself again after the surgery.
Adding to the complexity of her experience, Kingston suffered a haemorrhage while performing at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2024. This incident, which she described as “shocking,” occurred during her run in The Other Boleyn Girl at the West Sussex theatre. Despite this health scare, Kingston continued her work and pressed forward with medical consultations afterward, which ultimately led to the diagnosis.
Womb Cancer Symptoms: What to Look Out For
Kingston’s candid account serves as a powerful reminder for women to pay attention to their health and to seek medical help if they notice unusual symptoms. Womb cancer, though not as widely discussed as other cancers, has some specific signs that women should be aware of. The most common symptom of womb cancer is unexpected vaginal bleeding, which can include:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sex
- Heavy and irregular periods
- Persistent heavy periods that do not respond to medical treatment
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge
While not all abnormal bleeding is a sign of womb cancer, Kingston’s case highlights the importance of getting checked if any of these symptoms are noticed. Women who experience any of these signs should consult their doctor or visit their GP for advice.
The Power of Positivity: Kingston’s Resilience
Throughout her treatment, Kingston maintained a positive and resilient attitude, a mindset that was essential in her recovery. Her professional career was temporarily sidelined by her health, but she emphasized the importance of not letting her diagnosis define her. “Even though my body was telling me there was something very seriously wrong, I kept thinking, ‘Oh, I’ve got a bad UTI or fibroids.’” This emotional resilience is a core element of Kingston’s character, both on and off screen.
Her positive attitude also extended to her current venture on Strictly Come Dancing, where she is competing alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Remarkably, Kingston has topped the Strictly leaderboard with her samba performance, showing that she’s not just recovering physically, but also emotionally and mentally. The experience of competing on the show has been something she attributes to her renewed sense of perspective. “Life is too short not to take opportunities you want,” she said, revealing that her recent health experience pushed her to say yes to the show.
Why Did Kingston Decide to Reveal Her Diagnosis?
Kingston’s decision to publicly disclose her womb cancer diagnosis is a powerful one, particularly in an industry that often encourages a focus on career and public image. Kingston, however, wanted to use her story to inspire others to be proactive with their health and to encourage women to listen to their bodies.
“I urge women not to ignore any signs of ill health,” Kingston said. “If you feel that something’s wrong, please go for a check-up.” By sharing her personal journey, Kingston hopes to normalize conversations around women’s health and cancer, particularly womb cancer, which can often go undiagnosed until it reaches more advanced stages.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Advocacy
Known for her iconic roles as River Song in Doctor Who and Dr. Elizabeth Corday in ER, Kingston’s career has long been characterized by empowering portrayals of women. Through her health struggles, she continues to lead by example, demonstrating resilience, strength, and the importance of self-care.
Now, as Kingston is experiencing personal healing, she’s also teaching others the value of listening to one’s body and not being afraid to seek help when necessary. She exemplifies the power of vulnerability and honesty, encouraging women everywhere to be proactive in caring for their bodies.
What’s Next for Kingston?
Kingston’s continued participation in Strictly Come Dancing shows her commitment to living fully, even after a difficult year. Her return to the stage is not just a career milestone, but a personal triumph. Kingston has also hinted at more projects in the works, and her fans are undoubtedly excited to see what’s next for the actress after overcoming such a life-altering challenge.
For now, Kingston is focusing on recovery, advocacy, and cherishing the opportunities that life continues to offer. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of health, resilience, and making the most out of every moment.
