Risk factors
Many patients diagnosed with cancer of the uterine body ask the question of what could have caused the disease. So far, there is no exact explanation why one woman gets cancer of the body of the uterus and another does not. However, we know that women with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop this type of cancer.
What is a risk factor? This is all that can increase the probability of the disease.
Studies have identified a number of factors that increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. Let's consider them.
- Abnormal growth of the endometrium or endometrial hyperplasia, that is, an abnormal increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus. Hyperplasia itself is cancer, but sometimes it can develop into cancer. Common symptoms of this condition include heavy menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during menopause.
- Obesity: Women who are obese are more likely to develop uterine cancer.
- Absence of childbirth and interrupted pregnancies.
- Earlier and later onset of menstruation.
- Onset of menopause after 55 years.
- Long-term use of drugs containing estrogen.
- History of taking tamoxifen: Women who have taken the drug tamoxifen to prevent or treat breast cancer are at increased risk of uterine cancer.
- Family health history. Women whose mother or sister had uterine cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. In addition, women who have a family history of a hereditary form of colorectal cancer (known as Lynch syndrome) are also at increased risk of uterine cancer.
- Presence of type 2 diabetes.
Be sure to talk to an oncologist-gynecologist if at least one of the listed factors applies to you.
You should know that the presence of a risk factor does not mean that you will necessarily get cancer, but their absence does not mean that you will not get the disease. Therefore, every woman needs to be very attentive to her health and regularly undergo a gynecological examination.
Learn more about the symptoms of uterine cancer — when to consult an oncologist urgently.
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge not associated with menstruation.
- Vaginal bleeding in menopause.
- Difficult or painful urination.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Pain in the pelvic region.
- Vaginal discharge of a liquid nature.
Because endometrial cancer starts inside the uterus, it is usually not detected by a Pap test, which can detect precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix or vagina. Therefore, a sample of endometrial tissue should be taken for histological examination. Only an oncologist-gynecologist prescribes special diagnostics.
Do not miss visits to a specialist. Self-care can save lives. Endometrial cancer can be detected at an early stage and cured.
Check-up with an experienced oncogynecologist of the Onco Consulting Center is a comprehensive consultation that includes:
- gynecological examination in mirrors;
- PAP test - taking material for cytological examination;
- Ultrasound of the pelvis transabdominally and transvaginally;
- colposcopy with image display on a computer monitor.
- issue of a conclusion with recommendations.
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