Cancer uterus or cancer The uterus is a malignant tumor that grows in the uterus womb. Uterine cancer is most common in women who have entered menopause or are 50 years of age and over.
Uterine cancer begins when healthy cells in the uterus grow uncontrollably and form a tumor or lump. The tumor can be benign or malignant. In uterine cancer, the tumor can enlarge and spread to other organs.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
The most common initial symptom in patients with uterine canceror uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding through the vagina, which occurs outside the menstrual cycle or after menopause. However, not all bleeding after menopause is caused by uterine cancer. To be sure, an examination by a doctor is required.
Immediately consult a doctor if bleeding after menopause lasts more than two weeks, especially if accompanied by symptoms of lack of blood, such as fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath that occur repeatedly.
Causes of Uterine Cancer
The cause of uterine cancer is not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of uterine cancer, including:
- Over 50 years old.
- Having diabetes.
- Excess weight.
- Starting menstruation too early or menopause too late.
- Using the hormone estrogen, either during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy or as contraception.
Uterine Cancer Treatment
The most common method of treating uterine cancer is a hysterectomy or surgical removal of the uterus. Hysterectomy can be combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy to maximize treatment. Treatment for uterine cancer can be carried out by obstetricians, subspecialists, gynecology, oncology.
Please note, patients who have undergone treatment with a hysterectomy can no longer have children. For patients who still want to have children, doctors can give hormone control drugs to treat uterine cancer.
Uterine Cancer Prevention
Uterine cancer cannot be prevented, but the risk of developing uterine cancer can be reduced by doing the following:
- Control blood sugar levels.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Using combination birth control pills, not just estrogen.