Endometrial cancer discovered during routine exam

She went in for a routine gynecological exam and learned she has cancer

By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org

Sabrina Donovan has spent most of her life working as a fitness instructor. She enjoyed good health, family, and beach vacations.

In November of 2019, she went in for a routine gynecological exam and, at the age of 53, learned she has Stage 2 endometrial cancer. This type of cancer develops in the uterus lining known as the endometrium. It is one of the more common gynecologic cancers and is often diagnosed due to abnormal bleeding.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for gynecological exams:

• Cervical cancer testing (screening) should begin at age 25.
• Those aged 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years.
• Those over the age of 65 who have had regular screenings in the past ten years with normal results and no history of abnormal cervical cells or more serious diagnosis within the past 25 years can stop cervical cancer screenings. Some people believe that they can stop cervical cancer screenings once they have stopped having children. This is not true. They should continue to follow American Cancer Society guidelines.

Various conditions can contribute to the need for ongoing screenings. Patients should consult with their physician for the best recommendations.

Donavan’s first line of treatment was a total hysterectomy and radiation. After six months of monitoring her condition, she went back for a screening and doctors discovered the cancer had spread to her lungs. She began chemotherapy and then an oral medication. Eventually, she learned the cancer had spread to her spine and brain. She was experiencing seizures. At the time, Donovan and her husband, Rick, lived near Fort Wayne.

Married for 29 years, they are the parents of adult children and have three grandchildren. They moved to Westfield to be closer to family, and she began seeing IU Health’s Dr. Sharon Robertson.

She is now on a new trial medication and feels like it is working.

“Dr. Robertson is very thorough and very understanding. I am grateful to be with her,” said Donovan.

When she’s feeling her best, she enjoys spending time with family who like watching football games and eating her chili. She loves to travel, especially the beach, and playing pickleball.