Womb Cancer: Overview
Womb cancer, also known as uterine cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the uterus, or womb. It is the most common type of gynecological cancer in women, and it is the fourth most common cancer in women, after breast, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Womb cancer can occur in women of any age, but it is most common in women over the age of 50. Women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) are at a lower risk for womb cancer, since the uterus is the primary site of the cancer.
Risk Factors for Womb Cancer
There are a number of factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing womb cancer. These include:
• Age: Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for womb cancer.
• Personal history of cancer: Women who have had cancer in the past, particularly breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer, have an increased risk for womb cancer.
• Family history of cancer: Women with a family history of womb cancer are at an increased risk.
• Hormone therapy: Women who take hormone therapy after menopause are at a higher risk for womb cancer.
• Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for womb cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Womb Cancer
The most common symptom of womb cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can include bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause, or bleeding after intercourse. Other symptoms may include pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen, pain during intercourse, and a feeling of fullness in the pelvis.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Womb Cancer
Womb cancer is typically diagnosed through a pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and a biopsy. Treatment for womb cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and can include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.