Nearly 200,000 women face uterine cancer each year in the United States. Although this is a relatively small amount comparatively, it’s still 200,000 women too many. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer, although uterine sarcoma and other types are possible—just much more rare.
Certain risk factors may influence the development of uterine cancer. Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing uterine cancers than younger women. Taking estrogen without progesterone to control the symptoms of menopause can increase the chances, making it doubly risky for menopausal women. This also means that any underlying disorder that makes the levels of estrogen—but not progesterone—fluctuate upwards in the body increase the chances of uterine cancer.
Women who experience difficulty conceiving or have irregular or amenorrheic (absent) periods are also more likely to develop uterine cancer. The Center for Disease Control states that less than five periods a year at any point in time can be an indicative factor. Having a disorder that can affect the regularity of menstrual periods (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) may up the chances as well.
Obesity, as it does with most disorders, can also make matters worse, especially since being overweight can influence the regularity of menstrual cycles.
Women who used the drug Tamoxifen to battle breast cancer should be careful. Uterine cancer also has a genetic factor, which means women who have a family history of cancer (not only uterine cancer, but also issues like hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer HNPCC) should pay particular attention for the signs of uterine cancer and speak to their gynecologist about preventative measures.
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