Causes and risk factors of uterine cancer
Every year, about 50,000 women are diagnosed with uterine or endometrial cancer. It is more prevalent among women after menopause and occurs at the ages between 50 and 60 and more so among women who are obese. The most common symptoms are a pain in the abdomen and the pelvic area, heavy or abnormal vaginal bleeding and pain during intercourse. Causes No specific causes have yet been isolated for uterine cancer, but a careful analysis of patients have helped doctors identify risk factors for women. It should also be noted that women who have one or more of the risk factors identified can live a healthy life without cancer. Hormones The balance of estrogen and progesterone is affected during and after menopause and the changes in these hormone levels increase the risk of endometrial cancer as the ovaries stop producing these hormones. Estrogen therapy Many women undergo hormone therapy during menopause to reduce symptoms of hot flashes and to prevent osteoporosis. Sometimes women take estrogen hormones without progesterone. This puts them at risk. Both have to taken together not only to improve menopausal symptoms but also to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Long years of menstruation Women who had their menarche – their first period – very early and their menopause in their middle or later 50s are at risk.