Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, increased levels of estrogen appear to play a role. Most cases of endometrial cancer occur between the ages of 60 and 70 years, but a few cases may occur before age 40.
The following increase your risk of endometrial cancer:
- Diabetes
- History of endometrial polyps
- Infertility (inability to become pregnant)
- Infrequent periods
- Never being pregnant
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Starting menstruation at an early age (before age 12)
- Starting menopause after age 50
Symptoms
Symptoms of endometrial cancer include abnormal bleeding from the vagina, extremely long, heavy, or frequent episodes of vaginal bleeding after age 40, lower abdominal pain or pelvic cramping and thin white or clear vaginal discharge after menopause Treatment options involve surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
