What is Uterine/Endometrial cancer?
Uterine cancer can also be known as endometrial cancer from the name given to the lining of the Uterus, the endometrium, where the growth occurs.

Signs/Symptoms
Abnormal bleeding or Vaginal Discharge, frequent Urination or lower abdomen pain may indicate this cancer, but again these symptoms might be due to other, less serious causes.

Contributory factors
Uterine cancer is most frequent among postmenopausal women, and is rare under the age of 35.  The use of Oestrogen-only Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk, as does an early start with Menstruation and late age of Menopause.

Preventative action
Unlike Cervical cancer, there is no regular screening for uterine cancer in all women.  Although, an abnormal Smear Test for Cervical cancer may provide some indication of a problem. Given the cancer’s association with increased exposure to oestrogen, the use of Oral Contraception is felt to be protective against this cancer.

It is also recommended that post-menopausal women who have not had their uterus removed should only use combined HRT. Three monthly Progestogen bleeds may also be induced to protect the lining of the womb thickening or becoming cancerous.

Being nulliparous i.e. having never had any pregnancies increases the risk of this cancer.  Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus are also risk factors.