Cancer of the Uterus - General Information
Contents:
The uterus (womb) is the pear shaped organ in the pelvis,
at the top of the vagina,
in which a baby grows. A layer of tissue called the endometrium
lines the womb, and is designed to accept the implantation of a fertilized
egg for the purposes of pregnancy. It is the endometrium which is shed
every month in the form of a menstrual period, whenever a pregnancy does
not occur. It is then replaced ready for another potential opportunity for
pregnancy.
Cancer of the endometrium
is the most common form of cancer of the uterus. It occurs when cells
originating in the endometrium (womb lining) become cancerous (malignant).
This cancer is fairly common, with some 250 cases occurring in Queensland
each year. It occurs most commonly in post-menopausal women (women who
have gone through the menopause),
and is most common in women between 60 and 69 years of age. However, cases
are seen in women as young as 30.
The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is post-menopausal
bleeding. As such, any bleeding from the vagina
after menopause should be investigated to ensure that cancer is not the
cause. Other symptoms include:
 | bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation (periods); |
| difficult or painful urination; |
| pain during intercourse; |
| pain in the pelvis
area, hips,
thighs or
buttocks. |
Endometrial cancer has been found in women taking a drug called
Tamoxifen as part of their treatment for breast cancer. As such, these
women must also be wary of any vaginal bleeding not related to normal
periods, and should report it to their doctor as soon as possible.
The study of the occurrence and the causes of disease in the population
is called Epidemiology. An epidemiologist studies how common a specified
disease is, who is affected by it, and what are the factors that are
associated with developing that disease, as well as studies aimed at
controlling the disease.
How Common Is Cancer of the Uterus?
Endometrial cancer is ranked 4th among cancers occurring in women and
it will affect 1 to 2% of white women in their lifetime.
Types Of Cancer Of The Uterus
Endometrial cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the lining of
the uterus (endometrium). Another form of cancer of the uterus is
myometrial cancer, which originates in the muscle. Endometrial cancer is
by far the more common of the two types.
Endometrial Cancer Development
Like many other female cancers, the main factors that appear to
influence the development of endometrial cancer are related to hormones,
in particular oestrogen.
Factors That Increase Risk
| Age |
The occurrence rate of endometrial cancer increases with age until
after menopause, when rates even out. It most often occurs in women aged
55-69 years, and is rare in women younger than 40.
| Western European Origin |
Occurrence rates for endometrial cancer are affected by geography. For
instance, the disease is most common in affluent Western societies, such
as the UK, the USA and Australia.
| Family history |
Family history appears to be an important factor in the occurrence of
endometrial cancer, mainly for women who develop the disease at a young
age (i.e. prior to menopause). In particular, women with a family history
of colorectal cancer appear to be more likely to develop endometrial
cancer at a young age.
| Medical conditions |
Patients with endometrial cancer are commonly seen to also have
histories of hypertension and diabetes. It is likely, however, that this
is due to the strong relationship between obesity
and endometrial cancer.
| Childless Women |
Women who have never had any children are more likely to develop
endometrial cancer than women who have had at least one child.
| Infertility |
Infertility that is related to ovarian diseases and anovulation appears
to be linked to endometrial cancer development in some women.
Endometrial cancer is associated with obesity. Women with body fat
around the middle and upper body in particular are at much higher risk of
developing endometrial cancer. This is thought to be because women with
more body fat have higher levels of oestrogen than lean women.
| Hormone Replacement Therapy |
One of the most important risk factors for endometrial cancer is
treatment with oestrogen-only hormone therapy during and after the
menopause. This increase in risk is mostly removed when a combination of
oestrogen and progestogen are used in the hormonal therapy.
Factors That Decrease Risk
| Parity |
The risk of endometrial cancer decreases after a woman has given birth,
and the risk may continue to decrease with each additional child.
| Oral Contraceptives |
Oral contraceptives that use a combined oestrogen and progestogen
formulation may lower a woman's chance of developing endometrial cancer.
| Smoking |
A protective effect of smoking on endometrial cancer has been seen in
multiple studies and is related to both the length of time and amount a
woman has smoked. A reduction in risk of up to 50% has been reported in
long-term and heavy smokers. Because smoking has such serious health
effects and has been linked to lung cancer as well as cervical cancer, the
protection offered against endometrial cancer cannot justify the
habit.
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