Acknowledging Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, we are sharing the story of Jess Lomen, a mother of three beautiful girls.
Shortly after the birth of her second daughter, Jess started to notice constant blood spotting and recurring thrush that caused soreness and itching. She underwent a cervical screening test, which came back positive for human papillomavirus (HPV).
“I didn’t think much of it at the time”, says Jess. “I assumed the itching and spotting were just due to hormonal imbalance since I was still breastfeeding my daughter.
Not long after, Jess discovered she was pregnant with her third daughter. Following the birth, another cervical screening test came back positive for HPV, and she was referred for a cervical biopsy (colposcopy).
This led to a diagnosis of Stage 2B cervical adenocarcinoma.
Jess’s treatment included five rounds of chemotherapy at Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW), followed by 25 sessions of radiotherapy over five weeks at Austin Health. She then underwent three rounds of brachytherapy at the ONJ Centre.
Jess entered remission for a period, but sadly, her cancer journey didn’t end there.
The bleeding returned, along with severe pelvic pain. Further testing confirmed that the cancer had come back, this time, stage 4.
Jess began another round of chemotherapy and embarked on two years of immunotherapy whilst also prioritising exercise and mental health as key parts of her healing.
“Mentally, it’s been challenging. Cancer isn’t just physical; it takes a toll emotionally, too. I’ve learned to nurture my mental health by doing things that light up my soul, whether that’s spending time with loved ones or enjoying small joys,” Jess says.
Jess recalls the kindness and care shown to her by staff at both MHW and Austin Health. “They made me feel seen and cared for, not just as a patient, but as a person.”
Throughout everything, Jess’s outlook on life has shifted. “Cancer gave me a new perspective. Life is too short to live without joy and freedom.”
For gynecological cancer awareness month, Jess’s message to women is clear: “Know your body, listen to changes, and get checked if something feels off. Early detection saves lives.”
