A Mother's Final Months: Misdiagnosed Cancer and a Sister's Plea for Awareness

Simone Crerar was just 56 years old when she died in her sleep. Her final months were marked by a tragic series of misdiagnoses.

Nine weeks after first complaining of abdominal pain, she was gone.

A post-mortem examination revealed the cause: metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma—a rare and aggressive uterine cancer that had already spread to her liver. Her brother, Scott Crerar, now speaks out, hoping that sharing his sister's story will prevent other families from enduring the same fate.

The Hidden Epidemic

Across Australia, a silent crisis is unfolding. Uterine cancer is now the fastest-rising women's cancer in the country, with incidence rates doubling over the past 25 years.

• Approximately 3,400 women are diagnosed annually.
• Up to 95% of cases are endometrial cancer.

Common symptoms to watch for include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits

Why Are Rates Climbing?

Dr. Anthony Richards, a gynaecological oncologist at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital, points to two primary drivers: obesity and diabetes. Elevated estrogen levels from obesity and insulin resistance from diabetes are key contributors to the development of endometrial cancer.

But lifestyle isn't the whole story. Dr. Tracy O'Mara of QIMR Berghofer explains that genetics also play an independent role. A 2023 study revealed striking numbers:

• Women with a high genetic risk profile and a healthy BMI were twice as likely to develop uterine cancer.
• Those with the same genetic profile who were also obese faced a five-fold increased risk.

Underfunding and Shame: Barriers to Progress

Professor Clare Scott, chair of ANZGOG (Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group), highlighted a stark disparity in research funding. Between 2003 and 2020:

Professor Scott identified underfunding and shame as major barriers to awareness and early detection.

A Brother's Plea

For Scott Crerar, the statistics are personal. His sister was misdiagnosed multiple times before her death. He hopes that by sharing her story, more women will recognize the symptoms and seek timely medical attention.

"If Simone's story can save just one life, it will be worth it."