The uterus (or womb) is part of a woman’s reproductive system. It is the hollow, pear shaped organ where a baby grows before being born. The lower part of the uterus is called the cervix. The cervix leads into the vagina. You can read about cervical cancer HERE and vaginal cancer HERE.
Uterine Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of uterine cancer include:
-Unusual vaginal discharge
-Pain during intercourse
-Pain or pressure in the pelvis, lower abdomen, back or legs
-Pain during urination
-Pain during bowel movements or blood in the stool
-Bleeding from the bladder or rectum
-Buildup of fluid in the abdomen or legs
-Weight loss
-Lack of appetite
-Difficulty breathing
For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society or the American Cancer Society
Uterine Cancer Risk
Risk factors for uterine cancer include:
-Hormone risk factors:
-Estrogn-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
-Number of menstrual periods
-Never giving birth
-Tamoxifen
-Estrogen-producing ovarian tumours
-Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
-Radiation therapy to the pelvis
-Cowden syndrome or Lynch Syndrome
-Family history of endometrial or colorectal cancer
-History of breast or ovarian cancer
-Obesity
-Diabetes
-Older age
-Low levels of physical activity
For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society, or Mayo Clinic.
Uterine Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosis options include:
-Physical exam
-Pelvic exam
-Blood tests
-Complete blood count
-Transvaginal ultrasound
-Biopsy
-Endoscopy
-Blood chemistry tests
-Tumor marker tests
-Imaging tests (eg. Barium enema)
-Endometrial biopsy
-Hysteroscopy
-Dilation and curettage
For more information, visit the Canadian Cancer Society or Cleveland Clinic.
Uterine Cancer Treatment
Treatment options vary depending on the tumor type, stage, and more. Options include:
-Surgery
-Radiation therapy
-Chemotherapy
-Hormonal therapy
-Immunotherapy
-Targeted therapy
For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, or Cleveland Clinic.
Uterine Cancer Stories
We currently do not have any uterine cancer stories. If you have any, please send them to us at info@survivornet.ca.