Cancer is an abnormal formation of some of the cells and tissues, which, due to a problem in transmitting the information of the genetic codes when replacing them, grow and multiply in a disorderly and chaotic way, and end up destroying the building of our body if this disorderly and abnormal growth is not corrected in time.
Depending on where this information problem occurs, different types of cancer appear. Uterine cancer is very common in developed countries. Around 8,000 lives are claimed each year from around 40,000 diagnosed cases. In uterine cancer -or endometrial cancer, a tumor that appears in the epithelial lining of the upper part of the uterus and is one of the most frequent female cancers, alongside breast cancer.
What are the symptoms?
This type of cancer can be detected early since there are several symptoms that can put us on the trail of uterine cancer:
- Anemia caused by chronic blood loss, especially if the woman has ignored the symptoms of abnormally frequent or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Involuntary weight loss
- Difficulty or pain when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain and cramps in the pelvic area
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
It can be detected in 90% of early stages and is generally a type of cancer that appears in obese women, in the presence of late menopause, or those who suffer from hypertension, diabetes, irregular menstrual cycles, or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
In some cases, it can be hereditary, like breast or ovarian cancer. It should also be noted that the prolonged use of estrogens alone can increase the risk of contracting this type of endometrial cancer, the majority of women with cancer of the uterus have a history of elevated estrogen levels.
One of the normal functions of estrogen is to stimulate the growth of the endometrial lining, an excess of estrogen activity, especially accompanied by insufficient levels of the natural opponent of estrogen, progesterone, can cause endometrial hyperplasia, which is a precursor to cancer.
An elevation in estrogen levels can be due to:
- Obesity, especially> 15 Kg overweight;
- Exogenous estrogen (drugs)
Other conditions associated with endometrial cancer include:
- Hypertension
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Never conceiving
- Infertility
- Menstruation at a very early age
- Late menopause
- Women with a history of endometrial polyps or other benign growths of the uterine lining, as well as post-menopausal women using estrogen hormone replacement therapy, have been found to have an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Precautionary measures
Most of these endometrial cancers cannot be prevented, although there are some tips that can help prevent its risks:
- Keep in mind to avoid prolonged use of oral contraceptives
- Controlling weight and obesity, as well as cases of diabetes.
- Eating a healthy diet and performing physical activity.
- Do not hesitate to consult your trusted gynecologist.
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