Uterine cancer is one of the diseases feared by women because fertility and life are at stake. Therefore, you need to recognize the signs of uterine cancer so that you can immediately see a doctor and get the right treatment.
The uterus is part of the female reproductive organs. Its main function is as a place to grow and develop the fetus before birth. Unfortunately, cancer cells that appear in this organ can make a woman lose her uterus.
Risk Factors and Causes of Uterine Cancer
Although the cause of uterine cancer is not known for certain, there are several factors that may increase a woman's risk of developing this disease, namely:
- Have excess weight.
- Aged 60 years and over.
- Get your first period before the age of 12.
- Suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Have a family who suffers from uterine cancer.
- Have had radiation therapy to the pelvis.
- Have an ovarian tumor or polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Taking estrogen without progesterone, or taking certain medications, such as tamoxifen, to treat breast cancer.
The risk factors above are not absolute, because there are also women who are included in the list but do not have uterine cancer. There are also women who contract uterine cancer but do not have the above risk factors.
Signs of Uterine Cancer
It is important for you to recognize the early signs of uterine cancer so that this disease can be detected as early as possible. The following are 5 symptoms that are early signs of uterine cancer:
1. Abnormal bleeding
The earliest sign of uterine cancer that is most often experienced by women is abnormal or prolonged vaginal bleeding. For example, bleeding after menopause, between menstrual cycles, and bleeding after sex.
2. Smelly discharge
Normal vaginal discharge is generally clear, odorless, and not excessive in number. The appearance of vaginal discharge that is pink or brown, contains blood, or is accompanied by a foul odor can be a sign of problems or disorders in the reproductive system, including uterine cancer.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse
The next sign of uterine cancer is the appearance of pain during sexual intercourse. Usually this pain will be followed by bleeding after sexual intercourse.
4. Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain can also be a symptom of uterine cancer. Pelvic pain which is a sign of uterine cancer is usually accompanied by the appearance of pain in the abdomen below the navel. The pain you feel can come and go or come and go.
5. Pain when urinating
Although this is rare, pain when urinating can also be a sign of uterine cancer. This pain can arise due to the growth of cancer cells pressing on the bladder and urinary tract.
In addition to the symptoms above, other things that can be a sign of uterine cancer are loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, fatigue for an unknown cause, back pain, leg pain, to swelling in the legs.
If you experience the signs of uterine cancer described above, immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will perform several tests, including a Pap smear, to confirm this.
If the results of the examination reveal the growth of cancer cells in the uterus, the doctor will provide treatment according to the stage of uterine cancer and your general condition.