Uterine Cancer is Killing More Women Than Ever!

As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, I deal with different types of cancer on a daily basis, from breast cancer and skin cancer to different types of sarcomas. But uterine cancer is not normally something a plastic surgeon gets involved.

So, why am I writing about it?

February is the cancer prevention month. With advancements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment, mortality from most cancers is declining.

However, there is one that is on the rise:

“UTERINE CANCER”

Based on the most recent data, uterine cancer will kill 13,250 women in 2024.

Unlike mortality from many other cancers that is declining, the mortality of uterine cancer is on the rise.

Source: National Cancer Institute and the Wall Street Journal

What are symptoms of uterine cancer?

• Unusual or irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge (It may be either unusually heavy, long, or appear between periods)

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause

• Painful urination

• Pelvic pain or pressure Pain during intercourse

• Weight loss

What are the risk factors of uterine cancer?

• Age over 50

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Taking estrogen by itself (without progesterone)

• Having had trouble getting pregnant

• Having had fewer than five periods in a year before starting menopause

• Taking tamoxifen

• Having close family members who have had uterine, colon, or ovarian cancer. Have a genetic mutation (change) that raises your risk, including BRCA1 or BRCA2, or one associated with Lynch syndrome

• Using chemical hair straighteners

How to reduce the risk of uterine cancer?

• Take any of the above symptoms seriously

• Keep your weight under control

• Avoid chemical hair straighteners

• Be physically active

There may be someone around you who may need to know this information, please share with you friends and family and let’s raise awareness about uterine cancer.