One of the most common cancers that the female reproductive system can develop is endometrial cancer. Its prevalence is 70% in postmenopausal women, mainly between 55 and 65 years old. The real cause of endometrial cancer has not been discovered so far.
Increased incidence of endometrial cancer is observed in:
- Women with high estrogen levels in their blood, either because they do not ovulate, such as in polycystic ovaries, or because they are on an estrogen replacement therapy during menopause.
- Obese women
- Diabetic women
- Women who have made many IVF attempts.
- Women with many years of menstrual flow (premature menarche and late menopause).
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis can be made by diagnostic abrasio or hysteroscopy. Additional examinations include abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and intravaginal ultrasound.
Prevention leads to the treatment of cancer in the first stage, where it can be fully cured. If there is a recurrence of menstrual flow after the first year of menopause, an appointment with a gynecologist should be arranged immediately. Of course, women who are in their 40s to 50s, who experience abnormalities such as increased blood loss, longer duration and more frequent appearance of the menstrual flow than before should also schedule a visit to a gynecologist. Although these abnormalities of the uterus are usually due to menopause, or other benign uterine diseases, they should be monitored to avoid the possibility of malignancy. The typical gynecological examination, the Pap-test and uterine-ovarian ultrasound are the main tools for the prevention of gynecological cancer.
You may also consider the following factors that reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer:
- The use of birth control pills for a long time in women with anovulatory cycles
- Healthy eating and exercise
- Avoiding obesity
- Treating diabetes
