‘Doctor Who’ and ‘ER’ Star Alex Kingston Reveals Womb Cancer Diagnosis
Actress Alex Kingston, currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, has revealed she was diagnosed with womb cancer last year and underwent a hysterectomy and radiation therapy.
The 62-year-old, known for her roles as River Song in Doctor Who and Dr. Elizabeth Corday in ER, told the Independent she initially dismissed her symptoms as simply aging. “I had assumed that the way I was feeling was old age, and I just sort of accepted it,” Kingston said. “I thought, ‘OK, this is what it’s like to be in my sixties.’ But a lot of how I was feeling was to do with my illness.” She sought medical attention after noticing blood in her urine, and discovered the cancer was in her fallopian tubes but had not spread to her ovaries.
Kingston’s 2024 was largely consumed by treatment, including a major operation and radiation therapy, and she experienced a haemorrhage while performing in The Other Boleyn Girl at Chichester Festival Theatre. This diagnosis comes as awareness of women’s cancers is increasingly emphasized, prompting earlier screenings and improved outcomes. She emphasized the importance of seeking medical advice for any concerning symptoms, stating, “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.'” More information about womb cancer symptoms can be found on the Cancer Research UK website.
Despite her health battle, Kingston topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard last week with partner Johannes Radebe, a testament to her resilience. She explained that her experience inspired her to embrace the opportunity, because “life is too short” not to pursue desired experiences. You can find more about the show here.
Kingston is now recovering well and encourages other women to prioritize their health and seek prompt medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms.
