Every woman is at risk of developing uterine cancer. But with access to the right information, every woman can increase her chances of avoiding - or beating it.  

Overview

Uterine cancer is the single most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. It is also one of the most treatable - especially when detected early. In most cases, it affects women who are at or beyond the age of menopause. However, it can still affect younger women who are in their reproductive years.

The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after menopause^? or prolonged bleeding during the menstruating years.

Definition

The uterus, also know as the womb, is the area in the women's pelvis where a baby is carried during pregnancy. Uterine cancer is a general term for a gynecologic cancer that can affect various parts of the uterus.

There are several types of uterine cancer. The most common is endometrial cancer, which is a cancer that arises in the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium).

Risk Factors

Most cases of uterine cancer are seen in post-menopausal women age 55-64. But as with all gynecologic cancers, every woman is at some risk. In fact, one in four cases is found in women under the age of 50.

The most common risk factors are:

-Obesity

-Diabetes

-Hypertension (high blood pressure)

-“Unopposed estrogen” if you have a uterus(estrogen^? replacement without progesterone^?)

-A family history of uterine, ovarian, breast, or colon cancer

-Thickened lining of the uterus

If you exhibit any of these risk factors, it doesn’t automatically mean you will get uterine cancer. But you should discuss them with your physician.

Lowering Your Risk

There are several ways you can help reduce your risk of developing uterine cancer. We recommend:

-Eating well and exercising

-Maintaining a healthy weight

-Getting regular examinations

-Using birth control pills

-Adding Progesterone^? to Estrogen^? therapy (if you have a uterus)

Last Updated on Monday, 20 August 2012 08:43