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Writer's pictureKeisha Jenkins

#22: “When “Her” Goes Wrong!: Uterine Cancer”

Updated: Mar 22, 2023



Morning beauties and happy #WomenWednesday!! Last week, we talked about uterine fibroids, right? Those muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb) that are typically benign. But what happens if they become malignant or cancerous? Then we have a medical condition called Uterine Cancer. There are two types of Uterine Cancer: Endometrial Cancer, which is the most common, and Uterine Sarcoma which it’s rare. Endometrial cancer can often be cured. Uterine sarcoma is often more aggressive and harder to treat. Doctors don't know what causes uterine cancer.

 

ANATOMY 101

When cancer starts in the uterus, it is called uterine cancer. The uterus is the pear-shaped organ in a woman’s pelvis (the area below your stomach and in between your hip bones). The uterus also called the womb, is where the baby grows when a woman is pregnant.


SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of uterine cancer include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

  • Trouble urinating

  • Pelvic pain

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

Uterine cancer usually happens after menopause.


RISK FACTORS

ALL women are at risk for uterine cancer, but the risk increases with age. Most uterine cancers are found in women who are going through or who have gone through menopause-the time of life when menstrual periods stop.

  • Are older than 50.

  • Are obese.

  • Take estrogen by itself (without progesterone) for hormone replacement during menopause.

  • Have had trouble getting pregnant, or have had fewer than five periods in a year before starting menopause.

  • Take Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer.

  • Have close family members who have had uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer.


TREATMENT:

Tests to find uterine cancer include a pelvic exam, imaging tests, and a biopsy. The most common treatment is a hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus. Sometimes the surgery also removes the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Other treatments include hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Some women get more than one type of treatment.


Resources:

CBC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Medline Plus

National Cancer Institute (NIH)


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