soap star robyn griggs dies at 49 from cervical cancer
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cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix where a malignant tumour, a group of cancer cells, grows into and destroys surrounding tissue, according to the canadian cancer society. getty
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“i have four new tumours. two new tumours on my liver, one on abdominal muscle and a large one on right side lymph node,” robyn griggs, 49, the another world and one life to live soap opera star, wrote in a july update on her battle with cervical cancer on facebook. “i told them whatever it takes. i’m in for the fight,” she said of preparing for chemotherapy.
the news of her death was announced in a statement on her facebook page on saturday, conveying the actor’s wishes to openly share her story to help others facing the same diagnosis. griggs had been open on social media about her hopes and challenges of her experience that started with a hospital visit for a pap test in 2020 after which she learned she had stage 4 endocervical adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer.
following her diagnosis, griggs offered these inspiring words to digital journal in november 2020: “stay positive. remember everyone is battling something, this does not define you but makes you appreciate so much more. remember you have people to help with the emotional aspect. cry, let it out. do not believe what statistics you read, every person with cancer has a different situation. optimism will help you more than you know.”
what is cervical cancer?
cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix where a malignant tumour, a group of cancer cells, grows into and destroys surrounding tissue, according to the canadian cancer society. the tumour can also spread to other parts of the body. almost all cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (hpv), a sexually transmitted infection that can also lead to a variety of cancers like head, neck and anal cancer in both women and men.
when you’re exposed to hpv, your immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. but in a small percentage of people, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells, notes the mayo clinic.
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about 1,450 canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022 and an estimated 380 women will die from it, reports the canadian cancer society. the disease accounts for roughly two per cent of all new cancer cases in women, and most cases (67 per cent) occur in women aged 30 to 59, according to health canada.
there are no symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer
early stage cervical cancer usually doesn’t come with any symptoms. when the disease is more advanced, there may be vaginal bleeding between periods, after menopause, or after intercourse, or unexplained general pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. another sign is watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odour.
hpv vaccination can prevent cervical cancer
beginning in the 2000s, many countries, including canada and the u.k., started vaccinating school-aged girls and later, boys, with the hpv vaccine. results have shown a decrease in high-grade lesions that can lead to cervical cancer.
if you’re not vaccinated, ask your doctor about it. routine pap tests are also recommended for detection, along with quitting smoking and practicing safe sex by using a condom and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.
early detection can help slow progression
after the initial diagnosis is made, most patients are advised to undergo surgery to remove the entire tumour. treatment plans can also include chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapy, according to the canadian cancer society.
resources and support for those living with cervical cancer
a supportive network can make a huge difference in life with cancer. wellspring offers virtual and in-person education and support programs, as does the canadian cancer society and the canadian foundation for women’s health.
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karen hawthorne is a toronto-based writer.
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