Uterine Cancer symptoms : Risk Factors and Methods of Prevention
The uterus, or womb, is the place where a baby grows while a woman is pregnant. Uterine cancer occurs in women over the age of 60. There are different types of uterine cancer. The most common type begins in the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. This occurs when the cells of the endometrium begin to grow abnormally. This kind of cancer is also referred to as endometrial cancer.
There are two types of uterine cancer: endometrial cancer (common) and uterine sarcoma (rare). Endometrial cancer can be cured. Cancer of the uterus is another name for uterine cancer.Uterine sarcomas are often more aggressive and difficult to treat. Uterine sarcoma develops in the myometrium, the muscular wall of the uterus. Uterine sarcomas are very rare.
Are endometrial cancer and uterine cancer the same?
Uterine Cancer symptoms
Uterine cancer or endometrial cancer can refer to uterine sarcoma or other rare forms of cancer that originates in the uterus. But people often consider the terms endometrial cancer and uterine cancer to be the same. This is because endometrial cancers are much more common than other cancers that arise in the uterus.
Who is at higher risk of uterine cancer?
Endometrial cancer is influenced by a number of factors. It’s been linked to an estrogen/progesterone imbalance in several cases. Obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, and unopposed oestrogen therapy are all in this category. Lynch syndrome is a hereditary condition that poses risks unrelated to hormones.
Its risk factors include:
Age: As women get older, the chances of cancer of the uterus increase in them. Most uterine cancers occur after the age of 60.
High fat: An overweight diet can increase the risk of several cancers, including uterine cancer. Foods that are high in fat and calories can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Genetic or family history: A family history of cancer does not mean that you are at high risk for developing the disease. Approximately 5% of uterine cancers are connected to inherited factors.
Diabetes: This disease is related to obesity, which is a risk factor for cancer. But some studies suggest that there is also a direct link between diabetes and uterine cancer.
Ovarian dysfunction: Women who have certain ovarian tumors have high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels. These hormonal changes have been linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Early menstruation: If menstruation begins before the age of 12, the risk of uterine cancer may increase. This is because the uterus is exposed to estrogen for more years.
Late Menopause: Similarly, if menopause occurs after the age of 50, then its risk also increases. The uterus is exposed to estrogen for a long time.
Failure to conceive: Women who have not become pregnant are at higher risk due to increased exposure to estrogen.
Prior radiation therapy to the pelvis: Radiation therapy to treat other cancers can damage cell DNA. This damage can increase the risk of other types of cancer.
Estrogen replacement therapy: Some people receive estrogen therapy to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. Women who take estrogen replacement therapy without progesterone are at higher risk of uterine cancer.
Uses of Tamoxifen: People take this drug to treat breast cancer. It acts like estrogen in the uterus and may increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer:
There are many symptoms associated with endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma, including:
- Bleeding on days other than periods.
- Feeling severe pain while having sex.
- Frequent urination.
- Vaginal bleeding between periods in premenopausal women.
- Pain in the lower abdomen or cramps in the pelvis.
- Postmenopausal women may experience a vaginal discharge that is milky white or transparent.
- Very prolonged, heavy, or frequent vaginal bleeding in women over 40.
- Weight loss for no reason.
- Smelly liquid coming from the vagina.
How is uterine cancer treated?
Most people with endometrial cancer require surgery. The specifics of your care will be determined by the type of cancer you have and your current health status. Other treatments you may have included:
Chemotherapy – the process of using drugs to kill cancer cells..
Radiation therapy – In this, targeted radiation is sent to destroy cancer cells.
Hormone therapy – which gives or blocks hormones to treat cancer.
Immunotherapy – This helps your immune system fight cancer.
Targeted therapy – which uses drugs to stop specific cancer cells from spreading.
Frequently Asked Question about uterine cancer
Q 1: I s there any hope for treating uterine cancer?
A: Luckily, cancer of the endometrium is typically discovered in the early stages. This is because many women notice abnormal bleeding and report it to their doctors. If cancer is detected in the early stages and doesn’t have spread across other organs then removing the uterus may cure it.
Q 2: Does uterine cancer spread quickly?
A: Cancer of the uterus has the potential to spread to other organs, most commonly the rectum and the bladder. Spreading to the vagina, ovaries, and fallopian tubes is also possible. Because of its sluggish growth rate, this cancer is commonly found in its early stages, before it has spread to other organs.
Q 3: What are the most common factors that can cause uterine cancer?
A: An increased risk of uterine cancer has been linked to obesity because excess fat tissue in obese people generates more of the sex hormone oestrogen. The risk of this condition is amplified as the body mass index (BMI), the ratio of a person’s weight to their height, rises. Obesity is associated with almost 70% of uterine cancer cases.