Identifying uterine cancer

Q One of my friends has two sisters, both of whom have had bouts with uterine cancer. Naturally, their experiences raised questions in my mind about the possibility of becoming a victim. What exactly is uterine cancer? What causes it, and are there any preventive measures that can be taken to increase a woman's chances of not being victimized?

P.R., Chicago

A Uterine cancer most often affects the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, and is, doctors say, the fourth most common cancer in American women, with about 40,000 victims in the U.S. annually.

Currently, medical experts admit that they don't know exactly what causes uterine cancer, but there is a belief that elevated estrogen levels could be a factor.

Doctors say the most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding or spotting in the years leading up to--or especially after--menopause. A woman should also see a doctor if she has an unusual vaginal discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse and pain in the pelvic area.

While estrogen levels appear to be the most likely factor, doctors say other factors include age (appears mostly in women over 50), estrogen replacement therapy, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of other cancers, not having children and entering menopause late in life.

It has been determined that uterine cancer is not caused by an injury and is not contagious. But women with a family history of early onset colorectal or other reproductive cancers are at greater risk for uterine cancer.

When it comes to prevention, doctors say women should take some proactive steps by having annual pelvic exams and an endometrial biopsy if a person is at high risk for developing the disease. Other preventive measures include a proper diet and regular exercise to control weight, efforts to control blood pressure and promptly seeing a doctor whenever there is abnormal vaginal bleeding.

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