This cancerous growth is known as a lump. The womb is an important part of the female reproductive system and is also where a baby develops. Women who are obese are at an increased risk of developing womb cancer. To help reduce the risk, stay physically active. Women who are obese can expect to have their risk of womb cancer to increase by two to three times.
Although womb cancer screening is not available in the UK, women with any symptoms should visit their GP as soon as possible. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and discuss your medical history. He or she will also perform a physical examination, including feeling your cervix and womb externally. If cancer cells are detected, your gynaecologist will conduct a blood and urine test to check for any abnormalities.
Although the chances of a woman developing womb cancer are very low, treatment can prolong life and relieve symptoms. A woman who suffers from womb cancer may find it helpful to speak with others suffering from the same condition. Support from other people can help a woman cope with the emotional turmoil associated with the condition. Similarly, the Macmillan Support Line helps women with womb cancer find information about their condition. These organizations provide online forums, helplines, and forum services for those who need it.
If the cancer is detected in early stages, surgery is the most common treatment option for womb cancer. Surgical removal of the womb and other parts of the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and cervix will allow doctors to check for cancer cells in the lymph nodes. After surgery, hormone therapy will be given to control symptoms and prevent the cancer from returning. In the late stages, the doctor may recommend chemotherapy in order to prolong a woman’s life.
In addition to causing abnormal vaginal bleeding, womb cancer can spread to other parts of the body. The disease is also known as endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma. Although the exact cause of womb cancer is unknown, researchers have linked too much oestrogen to an increased risk of developing it. Symptoms of womb cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding and irregular periods.
Despite the risk of bowel cancer, women with Lynch syndrome are highly likely to develop womb cancer before they develop bowel cancer. However, early detection of Lynch syndrome will allow doctors to administer a specific drug to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. In addition, womb cancer patients who have Lynch syndrome will likely undergo regular check-ups and aspirin therapy to reduce the risk of developing the disease. A study of 382 women diagnosed with womb cancer found that thirty-two percent agreed to undergo this testing. In fact, the most common time for women to agree to undergo testing is after surgery.
