If endometrial cancer can be diagnosed by multiple symptoms, one of them, the most important, would also be the most alert. If you suffer from it, here’s why you should seek help immediately.
From gynecological cancers, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and even tubal cancer are the best known to the general public. On the other hand, they are not the most widespread. Indeed, according to the APHP websiteThose are the cancers of the body of the uterusalso called endometrial cancerwhich are the most common.
As the Léon Bernard cancer center explains on its siteendometrial cancer is even the 5th cause of cancer in women. In France, the number of new cases in 2023 is estimated at 8,432. As for the number of annual deaths, there were 2,698 in France in 2020, making this cancer the 8th cause of cancer death in women.
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What is the first sign that should alert you?
Endometrial cancer, or endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the endometrium, the lining that lines the inside of the uterus. While one of the most common cancers in women, it is usually treatable when diagnosed early. But to encourage the early diagnosisit is crucial to recognize the warning signs of illness.
There is one sign that should not be overlooked and should prompt you to consult a doctor quickly. This sign to watch out for is the abnormal vaginal bleeding. Different types of bleeding can be considered abnormal:
- Bleeding after menopause : Any form of vaginal bleeding after menopause should be reported immediately, as it may indicate the presence of abnormal cells in the endometrium.
- Bleeding between periods : In premenopausal women, bleeding outside of normal menstrual periods should also be investigated.
- Changes in menstrual cycles : A sudden change in the duration or frequency of menstruation can be a worrying symptom.
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How to detect endometrial cancer early?
nAlthough abnormal bleeding is the most important sign, other symptoms may also indicate endometrial cancer:
- Pelvic pain : Persistent pain or cramping in the pelvic area.
- Pain during sexual intercourse : Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
- Unexplained weight loss : Rapid weight loss without a change in diet or exercise.
- Unusual vaginal discharge : A non-bloody but unusual discharge may also be a sign.
Before symptoms appear, it is important to know the main risk factors. Here are the main ones: advanced age (most cases occur in postmenopausal women), obesity (due to high estrogen levels), hormone replacement therapy (especially estrogen alone without progestin), hypertension, diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (due to hormonal imbalances), early onset of menstruation or late menopause (which causes prolonged exposure to estrogen) and, finally, possible family history of endometrial cancer or colon.
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To promote early diagnosis of endometrial cancer, doctors recommend several things:
- Regular consultations : regular visits to the gynecologist can help detect abnormalities early, as can pelvic ultrasounds, which are uused to examine the uterus and identify abnormal endometrial thickenings
- Endometrial biopsy : in case of suspicion, the tissue sample can confirm the presence of cancer cells
- Prevention and awareness : Informing women about the symptoms and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention can save lives.
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Rights of women and children, violence, feminism, gender, discrimination, parenthood, education, psychology, health, couple, sexuality, social networks…. Joséphine loves deciphering all the social issues that drive our world…