CANCER OF THE UTERUS: WHO IS AT RISK AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

The uterus is that part of a woman's body where a baby grows. It is difficult for doctors to know why some women get cancer of the uterus and others do not. However, medical science has identified some risk factors that seem to indicate a greater likelihood that a woman will develop cancer of the uterus.

Most risk factors have to do with the levels of Estrogen in a woman's body. Estrogen is a normal female hormone, however too much estrogen seems to be a risk factor in cancer of the uterus. Women who use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to decrease the effects of menopause or reduce the chance of bone loss have a greater risk of cancer of the uterus. There are ways to reduce this risk. If you are considering HRT discuss all possible forms of treatment with your doctor.

Women who are obese are also at a higher risk for developing cancer of the uterus. It seems that obese women have greater amounts of estrogen than non-obese women. This is because the body produces estrogen in fat tissue. Women taking Tamoxifen to treat breast cancer have an increase risk of developing cancer of the uterus.

Other factors ,not related to estrogen amounts, also increase a woman's risk of developing cancer of the uterus. These include age and race. White women over the age of 50 have an increase risk of cancer of the uterus.

Symptoms of cancer of the uterus include; pain during intercourse, difficulty or pain on urination, pain in the pelvic region, and unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. These symptoms may represent other problems besides cancer of the uterus. You must see a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.