Uterine cancer, which is frequently related to as endometrial cancer, can strike women of all ages. As with any other type of cancer, it is of import for uterine cancer to be diagnosed at a very early phase. This will help ensure that the cancer will be treated as successfully as possible. Knowing what the symptoms and risk factors of uterine cancer are is one of the best ways to ensure that this type of cancer will be diagnosed at the earliest stage possible.

Symptoms of Uterine Cancer

The symptoms of uterine cancer are very easy to recognize, but it is important to keep in mind that there are a number of other conditions which can cause them. This means that it is very easy to mistake symptoms of uterine cancer as something else. Vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse, and consistent pain in the pelvic area are just a few of the common symptoms of uterine cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your gynecologist right away. Even if you do not have uterine cancer, it is likely that there is another serious health condition which is causing you to experience these uncomfortable situations.

Risk Factors of Uterine Cancer

Knowing what the risk factors of uterine cancer are is very important. If you know that you have one or more of these risk factors, then it is especially important to watch out for symptoms of uterine cancer. Women who are Caucasian, over fifty years old and are overweight or obese are the most likely to experience this type of cancer. Those who take estrogen, especially through the form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are also increasing their risk of developing uterine cancer. If you have had a hard time getting pregnant or if you have very irregular menstrual cycles that cause you to have less periods than normal, your chances of experiencing uterine cancer may be greater. Drugs that are used to treat breast cancer are known to increase your risk of experiencing uterine cancer. Getting your period younger than the age of twelve, and experiencing menopause after the age of fifty-two are both factors which are known to play a role in a woman’s chance of getting uterine cancer. Endometrial hyperplasia, gall bladder disease, diabetes mellitus, and high blood pressure are known to increase your risk of this type of cancer. Also keep in mind that having a family history of colon, uterine, or ovarian cancer is believed to increase your odds.

As with all types of cancer, it is hard to determine whether someone may be likely to experience uterine cancer. Early diagnosis is a key to successful treatment for any type of cancer, however. It is possible for uterine cancer to affect women at any point during their lifetime. Knowing what the symptoms and risk factors of uterine cancer are will help ensure that you will be able to seek medical treatment immediately if you experience this type of cancer.