$Unique_ID{BRK01170}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{The Causes of Endometrial Cancer}
$Subject{endometrial cancer}
$Volume{J-14}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Causes of Endometrial Cancer


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QUESTION:  I don't believe you have ever addressed the problem of endometrial
cancer in your column.  Could you please explain the causes of this disease
and how it is diagnosed?

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ANSWER:  Endometrial (inner mucous membranes of the uterus) cancer is the most
common cancer occurring in female reproductive tracts, and ranks third in
cancers affecting women, after breast and colorectal cancers.
     Women most likely to develop endometrial cancer are those who:  have not
had children, are obese, have diabetes and/or high blood pressure, and reach
menopause past the age of 52 years (delayed menopause).  A family history of
breast or ovarian cancers may be another risk factor.  Women with all the
above have very high risks of such cancers.
     About 28,000 news cases are diagnosed each year.  Endometrial cancer is
usually seen in post-menopausal women and the peak incidence of this disease
is between 50 and 60 years of age.  It is possible that as many as 1/3 of all
cases of post-menopausal bleeding may be due to endometrial carcinoma.
     Women who have taken progesterone therapy (including oral contraceptives)
for long periods and those who menstruate somewhat infrequently seem to have
fewer endometrial cancers than others in their age group.
     Because endometrial (as well as cervical) cancers are the most common
cancers associated with abnormal bleeding, endometrial biopsy and Pap smears
are extremely important in establishing the correct diagnosis.
     A large number of postmenopausal women who bleed abnormally develop
malignancies of the reproductive tract (involving fallopian tubes, uterus,
cervix, vaginas and/or vulvas).  Therefore, physicians are alert to these
possibilities and will use both Pap smears and biopsies of all suspected areas
(as well as other diagnostic tools) to seek out these cancers.
     Women suffering endometrial cancer often develop breast and colon
cancers.  That provides us with another important reason to recommend regular
checkups, to detect these conditions early on when treatment may be most
effective.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
