Postmenopausal bleeding occurs in more than 90 women who have endometrial cancer
At least a third of women are unable to detect the most common warning sign of endometrial cancer – post-menopausal bleeding, a new study has revealed. According to experts, this symptom occurs in more than 90 per cent of women with endometrial cancer. The research highlights the need to increase awareness and education about this terrible disease.
The study, conducted by the University of Minnesota, recruited 648 women participating in the Minnesota State Fair for a survey, the results of which showed that most participants were not very familiar with the symptoms. According to the researchers, only 63 percent could identify postmenopausal bleeding as the most common sign of endometrial cancer, which forms in the lining of the uterus. It is the most common gynecological cancer in American women.
What is endometrial cancer??
Also known as uterine cancer, endometrial cancer develops in the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) and affects the entire reproductive system. It is one of the most common gynecological cancers affecting the reproductive system.
According to experts, although they are not sure of the exact cause of this cancer, changes or mutations in the cells of the uterus that grow and multiply out of control form tumors. Many risk factors increase the chances of developing endometrial cancer. There are several risk factors for endometrial cancer, which relate to the balance between estrogen and progesterone causing obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, and taking unopposed estrogen. Doctors also say that certain genetic disorders such as Lynch syndrome are another risk factor not related to hormones.
Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer
Symptoms of endometrial cancer are similar to those of many other conditions, including unusual pain or irregular vaginal bleeding. Some others include:
- Vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause
- Pain in the lower abdomen or cramps in the pelvis.
- Thin, white or clear vaginal discharge after menopause
- Extremely prolonged, heavy, or frequent vaginal bleeding if you are over 40 years of age
How can you reduce your risk of endometrial cancer?
According to researchers, although 85 percent of endometrial cancers occur in postmenopausal women between the ages of 65 and 75, they can also develop before menopause. Therefore, anyone who experiences abnormal menstrual bleeding or any other worrisome symptoms of endometrial cancer, even before menopause, should notify their doctor.
In addition, following a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk by:
- Avoid tobacco
- Exercise regularly
- Follow a healthy diet moderate in red meat
- Stop drinking alcohol
These lifestyle modifications can also help control conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Experts say that since endometrial cancer also runs in families (about 3 to 5 percent), women with a family history of gynecologic cancers should talk to their doctors about genetic testing.
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