Dr. Anand Arumugam, 

MBBS,  MS (Urology), DNB, Urologist and Andrologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Koramangala, Bangalore

Women across the world are known to be brilliant multitaskers, they manage multiple roles and deliver their best on every side. It is imperative that every woman over 30 pays attention to her body and the changes it is going through. There are a number of common ailments that start taking a toll on a woman’s body and if the symptoms are ignored at the beginning it leads to a bigger problem. Uterine Cancer is one of the diseases that can have an effective treatment plan if diagnosed at an early stage. There are primarily two types of Uterine Cancer, first and the more prevalent type is the endometrial cancer  which grows in the lining of the uterus called endometrium. The second and rare type is a uterine sarcoma, in this case the tumour develops in the tissues or healthy muscles of the uterus. It is more common in post menaupausal women and can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam, imaging tests or a biopsy at a late stage. 

Risk factors for Uterine Cancer 

Anything that increases the chances of cancer being developed in any part of the body is distinguished as a risk factor. The presence of a risk factor alone is not enough for the cancer to develop. besity, age and family history can elevate the risk of uterine cancer. Additionally, other factors like birth control pills, estrogen pills after menopause can also cause hormonal imbalance and increase the risk of Uterine Cancer. 

Early Symptoms: 

1. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding – This is the most common and first symptom of Uterine Cancer especially for women in premenopausal age. Any change in menstrual cycle, unusually heavy bleeding or recurring bleeding should be paid attention to. 
2. Difficult or painful Urination – As the cancer starts to develops in the Uterine Lining, it puts extra pressure on the urinary bladder and that can cause discomfort while passing urine
3. Pain during intercourse – As the cancer grows, it is possible for a woman to feel moderate to extreme pain in the pelvic area during sexual intercourse 
4. Unexpected Weight Loss- Any weight loss that is unexpected and happens at a faster speed than usual can be an alarming sign of Uterine Cancer
5. Vaginal Discharge – Any unusual vaginal discharge that is pink in color or has foul smell can be a symptom.

Prevention of Uterine Cancer 

There are a number of lifestyle changes that help in preventing diseases and leading a healthy life. Maintaining a healthy body mass index and keeping a good sleep routine paired with a balanced diet are the key to keeping any health diseases at bay including uterine cancer. Keeping a check on the intake of birth control pills for a longer duration can also reduce the risks. Women who have diabetes should try and manage the disease well to eradicate the chances of its adverse effects on the entire ecosystem of their body. 

What to do when diagnosed with Uterine Cancer? 

If diagnosed at an early stage, Uterine Cancer can be treated with Hysterectomy which is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. The treatment plan will also depend on the stage of cancer and can be a mix of surgery along with radiation and chemotherapy. The treatment plan works best when the patient follows a healthy lifestyle and the prescribed medications diligently. Age of the patient also plays a vital role in how effective the treatment will be. For patients above the age of 70, the surgery alone can present several risks and might require an alternate plan of treatment.