Endometrial Cancer Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors
Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the uterus. The uterus is a pear-shaped hollow pelvic organ where the fetus develops. Endometrial cancer starts in the layer of cells that make up the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Endometrial cancer is also called uterine cancer. Other types of cancer can form in the uterus, including uterine sarcomas, but they are less common than endometrial cancers.
Endometrial cancer symptoms
The signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer include:
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain
When to see a gynecologic oncologist?
If you have persistent worrying symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
The Risk Factors for Endometrial Cancer
The risk of endometrial cancer can increase if a disease or condition causes an increase in estrogen hormone. Diabetes, obesity, and polycystic ovarian syndrome are some of the conditions that can increase estrogen levels.
• Early menarche and late menopause can also increase the risk.
• Hormonal therapy for breast cancer and menopause can also increase the risk
Talk to your doctor about the risks of postmenopausal hormone therapy. If you are considering hormone therapy to help manage menopausal symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Estrogen supplementation only after menopause may increase the risk of endometrial cancer unless you have had a hysterectomy. Taking a combination of estrogen and progestin can reduce these risks. Hormone therapy has other risks, so weigh the pros and cons with your doctor.
Consider taking oral contraceptives. Using birth control pills for at least one year can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. The reduced risk is thought to persist for years after the pill has been stopped. However, oral contraceptives have side effects, so discuss their benefits and risks with your doctor.
Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of endometrial cancer; hence, your weight needs to be maintained.
Bottom Line
Endometrial cancer is mostly detected in the early stages, as it causes abnormal menstrual bleeding. Women who approach a gynecologist in time have a better chance of preventing cancer from spreading. Untreated endometrial cancer can spread to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, rectum, or bladder and also to more distal organs. However, regular gynecological checkups can usually detect this type of cancer even before it spreads too far away and to distal organs.
