Symptoms of Uterine Cancer Women Should Not Ignore

Like many other cancers, there has been a significant rise in cases of uterine or endometrial cancer among women. According to statistics, there has been a steep increase of 0.6 per cent per year from 2015-2019, and death rates have risen an average of 1.7 per cent yearly for the same time frame.

Doctors say the signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer - the most common gynecologic cancer, can be subtle and vague.

Symptoms such as painful intercourse, unusual discharge, and bleeding after menopause are often confused with other medical issues, making it hard to catch cancers early when the chances of successful treatment are best.

Most experts recommend staying alert to these symptoms regularly visiting your gynecologist is the key to early detection and treatment.

A few symptoms that you should be wary of, include:

There are many reasons why you would be having an irregular menstrual cycle – like stress and weight loss. But if you are consistently spotting between normal periods or experiencing heavier than usual bleeding, you should see a doctor immediately.

According to experts, irregular bleeding can be a sign of uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer. 1

It happens around your perimenopause time, when your ovaries produce fewer hormones in the transition phase, making spotting or irregular periods as a common sign. But if a skipped period is followed by two or three weeks of heavy bleeding, it means that blood is building up in your uterus, a risk factor for uterine cancer.

Bleeding after menopause

If you are bleeding after your menopause - get it checked out.

According to experts, even a spot of blood can be abnormal and be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer. Also, bleeding after menopause can be because of urinary tract infection or hemorrhoids – but the only way to know is to get a detailed investigation done.

Pain in your pelvic area

Uterine cancer causes a tumour or growth in your uterus or ovaries which leads to compression on the nearby organs, including the bladder and rectum, resulting in severe pain in the pelvic area, abdomen, or back.

According to doctors, sometimes it can feel as simple as menstrual cramps, or it could also hurt your back because of the tumour. 2

The pressure from tumor also can cause changes in bladder and bowel habits, causing severe constipation, urinary incontinence, or an increased urgency to urinate all the time.

Continuous vaginal discharge

An unusual, smelly, and continuous discharge from your vagina could also be among the several gynecologic cancers.

According to doctors, your cervix makes a lot of mucus which is a normal thing. However, if it happens not just around your periods, but all the time, it should be immediately evaluated.

Apart from the discharge, an itchy, burning feeling can also be one of the symptoms of uterine cancer.

Painful sexual intercourse

If you have been suffering severe pain and discomfort during sex – it can be one of the reasons for uterine cancer.

Doctors say it can cause benign growths like fibroids, endometriosis, or conditions like vaginismus. In older women, the discomfort can also be due to dry, thinning vaginal tissue. 3

What causes uterine cancer?

According to experts, they are not sure of the exact cause of uterine cancer, however, it happens when there are changes in cells in your uterus. The mutated cells grow and multiply out of control, which forms a mass called a tumour.

Certain risk factors also increase the chances of developing uterine cancer, a few of which include:

Age

A diet high in animal fat

Family history

Diabetes

Obesity

Ovarian diseases

Early menstruation

Late menopause