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Uncovering Uterine Cancer: What risk factors do you know are creeping up on you?
Uterine cancer is an important health issue affecting women. It mainly includes two types of cancer that develop from uterine tissue: endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. According to the CDC, nearly 90 percent of uterine cancer cases are endometrial cancer, whose symptoms include vaginal bleeding changes and pelvic pain.
According to research, endometrial cancer is related to multiple risk factors, which often sneak up on women's health inadvertently.
Types of uterine cancer
Uterine cancer can be divided into two main types:
Endometrial cancer
This type of cancer originates from the endometrium, the tissue lining the uterus. Common ones include:
- Benign differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma
- Aggressive serous and clear cell carcinomas of the uterine papilla
Uterine sarcoma
Uterine sarcoma is a relatively rare form of uterine cancer that primarily originates in the muscle layer of the uterus. Types include leiomyosarcoma and intimal stromal sarcoma.
Symptoms of uterine cancer
Both types of uterine cancer may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, including changes in menstrual flow, or bleeding after menopause. Other possible symptoms include pressure or pain in the pelvic area, which may be a sign of tumor growth.
Risk factors
Although the specific cause of uterine cancer has not yet been determined, the following risk factors are generally considered to be related to its risk:
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Use estrogen medications without progestins
- History of taking tamoxifen
- Delayed menstruation and family history
Many women have insufficient knowledge about these risk factors, putting their health conditions at greater risk.
Diagnosis and Screening
Uterine cancer diagnosis is usually made by endometrial biopsy, but in some cases, advanced medical imaging and physical examination can also help suspect the possibility of uterine sarcoma. For women in high-risk groups, potential lesions should be detected in a timely manner by regular examinations.
Treatment methods
Treatments for uterine cancer vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. The main treatment for endometrial cancer is surgical removal, a total hysterectomy.
Research shows that the five-year survival rate of endometrial cancer diagnosed early can reach more than 80%; however, the prognosis of uterine sarcomas is usually poor.
Global epidemiology
According to data, approximately 3.1% of women worldwide will develop uterine cancer in their lifetime. The disease's incidence is highest in North America and Northern Europe, and moderate in Asia and Southern Europe. It is worth noting that the incidence of uterine cancer varies significantly among different age groups and ethnic groups.
Research Prospects
Scientists are currently working on developing more accurate diagnostic methods, including using infrared technology to detect uterine cancer in simple blood samples, improving the success rate of early detection.
After understanding the risk factors and symptoms of uterine cancer, should you re-examine your living habits and health status to prevent the onset of this disease in the early stages?
