Uterine cancer is often overlooked because many people are unaware of the symptoms and risk factors. The two different types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcomas, but endometrial cancer is the most common. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecological cancer. About two to three out of every 100 women will be affected by endometrial cancer at some point. Being aware of the symptoms of uterine cancer, as well as the risk factors, can help ensure early detection.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
Paying attention to the body’s signals is one of the most important keys to detecting uterine or other types of gynecological cancers. Some of the common symptoms of uterine cancer include abnormal bleeding or spotting and vaginal discharge. Both of these symptoms of endometrial cancer may not necessarily be consistent. There may be times when the woman will experience a lot of bleeding or vaginal discharge, but at other times, there may be none at all. Since uterine cancer most commonly affects women who are menopausal or post-menopausal, it is important for women at this point in their lives to take uterine cancer symptoms very seriously.
Risk Factors of Uterine Cancer
While women who are at a menopausal or post-menopausal age should pay the most attention to the symptoms of uterine cancer, there are other risk factors to be aware of. A history of irregular menstrual periods, beginning menstruation before 12 years old, and starting menopause late in life are all risk factors. Infertility, never giving birth, using high-dose birth control pills for long periods of time, using estrogen without progesterone for long periods of time, and breast cancer medications can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Other risk factors of endometrial cancer include a family history of endometrial cancer and a personal history of ovarian or colon cancer, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. As with various other types of cancer, smoking cigarettes and being obese can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Women with any of these risk factors should never take the symptoms of uterine cancer lightly.
Women who recognize uterine cancer symptoms should notify their doctors. Uterine cancer is not generally found during an annual Pap test or pelvic exam. An endometrial biopsy, vaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure are all methods which are used to diagnose uterine cancer. After recognizing the symptoms of uterine cancer, it is important to make sure that the doctor is taking proper steps to potentially diagnose and treat the condition.
Sources:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The National Women’s Health Information Center
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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