When you get a diagnosis of uterine cancer, it's natural to wonder what may
have caused the disease. Doctors usually can't explain why one woman gets
uterine cancer and another doesn't.
However, we do know that women with certain risk factors may be more likely
than others to develop uterine cancer. A risk factor is something that may
increase the chance of getting a disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for uterine cancer:
Abnormal overgrowth of the endometrium (endometrial hyperplasia): An
abnormal increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus is a
risk factor for uterine cancer. Hyperplasia is not cancer, but sometimes it
develops into cancer. Common symptoms of this condition are heavy menstrual
periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding after menopause. Hyperplasia
is most common after age 40.
To prevent endometrial hyperplasia from developing into cancer, the
doctor may recommend surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) or hormone
therapy with progesterone and regular follow-up exams.
Obesity: Women who are obese have a greater chance of developing uterine
cancer.
Reproductive and menstrual history: Women are at increased risk of
uterine cancer if at least one of the following apply:
Have never had
children
Had their first menstrual period before age 12
Went through
menopause after age 55
History of taking estrogen alone: The risk of uterine cancer is higher
among women who used estrogen alone (without progesterone) for menopausal
hormone therapy for many years.
History of taking tamoxifen: Women who took the drug tamoxifen to
prevent or treat breast cancer are at increased risk of uterine cancer.
History of having radiation therapy to the pelvis: Women who had
radiation therapy to the pelvis are at increased risk of uterine cancer.
Family health history: Women with a mother, sister, or daughter with
uterine cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease. Also, women
in families that have an inherited form of colorectal cancer (known as Lynch
syndrome) are at increased risk of uterine cancer.
Many women who get uterine cancer have none of these risk factors, and many
women who have known risk factors don't develop the disease.
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus and are usually round or semi-round in shape. The most common symptom of a uterine fibroid is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include pressure, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder, or pain during a bowel movement. Treatment options vary from surgery to medication.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Benign uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Three types of benign uterine growths are uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and uterine polyps. Symptoms include: abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. Diagnosis and treatment of benign uterine growths depends upon the type of growth.
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Most often, caregivers take care of other adults who are ill or disabled. Less often, caregivers are grandparents raising their grandchildren. The majority of caregivers are middle-aged women. Caregiving can be very stressful, so it's important to recognize when it's putting to much strain on you and to take steps to prevent/relieve stress.
Endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, affects the endometrium of the uterus. It's the most common invasive cancer of the female reproductive system. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, taking estrogen-only hormone therapy, early menstruation, late menopause, and never being pregnant.
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