Endometrial cancer, otherwise known is uterine cancer, is the most common type of gynecological cancer. The main symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal bleeding or spotting. Many women also recognize vaginal discharge. Being aware of endometrial cancer risk factors can help ensure that this type of cancer is detected early enough to be successfully treated.
Gynecological History Raises Endometrial Cancer Risk
One of the main risk factors of endometrial cancer is menstrual history. Women who began having menstrual periods earlier than age 12 are more likely to experience uterine cancer. Going through menopause later in life also increases the risk. Having both early menstrual periods and late menopause is one of the main endometrial cancer risk factors. Thus, endometrial cancer tends to be more common women who are going through menopause or have already gone through menopause. Women who have never had a baby, especially if the reason was due to infertility, are more likely to experience this type of cancer than others.
Personal Health Increases the Risk of Uterine Cancer
Many aspects of a woman’s personal health history can be risk factors of endometrial cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, diabetic women are four times more likely to experience this type of cancer. Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase a woman’s likelihood of developing uterine cancer due to hormonal imbalances. Obesity is another one of the main endometrial cancer risk factors. Overweight women are two times more likely to become diagnosed with uterine cancer, while obese women are three times more likely. The reason is due to increased estrogen levels.
Previous Cancer History Increases the Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Having a personal history of certain types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian, can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. The reason is because uterine cancer has some of the same risk factors as these type of cancers. Also keep in mind that taking Tamoxifen, a drug which is used for breast cancer treatment and prevention, is another one of the endometrial cancer risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, about one out of 500 women who go on the drug develop endometrial cancer.
Family History of Uterine Cancer Increases the Chances
Women who have families with a history of endometrial cancer and colon cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with this type of cancer. Also keep in mind that there may be links between a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, as both of these types of cancer can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. It is important for all women to know their family’s medical history in order to determine the risk of uterine cancer, as well as other types of gynecological cancers.
It is important to be aware of all endometrial cancer risk factors. Cancer of the uterus will affect between two and three of every 100 women, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women who experience unexplained bleeding or spotting should not take the problem lightly.
Sources:
The American Cancer Society
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Jody Morse - Jody Morse is a freelance writer from the Poconos. She earned her B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in ...
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