Uterine cancer is cancer that develops in the womb/uterus. Similar to
cervical cancer, the survival rate of uterine cancers are high because many
women are receiving early diagnosis and seeking immediate medical care. Women
who develop uterine cancer may have one or more risk factors such as:
Family History of Uterine
Cancer
Childless
Postmenopausal
Obesity
High Blood Pressure
Of course, cancer is a random disease, thus it is possible to develop
uterine cancer without having any risk factors. This sort of cancer mainly
affects women after menopause. The main symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal
vaginal bleeding. Post-menopausal women who experience bleeding should
immediately consult a physician. Those diagnosed with uterine cancer will either
have endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma.
Endometrial Cancer: 95% of
all uterine cancers that begins in the tissue lining of the uterus
Uterine Sarcoma: Affects a
small percentage of women and begins in the uterus muscles.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is known as the "silent killer" amongst women
because this cancer shows no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.
Sadly, ovarian cancer has a high mortality rate causing approximately 12,000
deaths a year within the United States.
The chances of developing ovarian cancer increase with age; nonetheless this
silent killer may affect women of all ages. Although rare, ovarian cancer may
also strike young girls who have not begun their menstrual cycle. With 20,000
new reported cases each year, it is estimated that 1 in 70 women will develop
ovarian cancer. Risk factors for this cancer include:
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Family History of Ovarian
Cancer
Early/Late Menopause
Ovarian cancer is rarely diagnosed early because the symptoms mimic other
less severe abdominal problems. In fact, many women who are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer admit to ignoring symptoms because they assumed abdominal
discomfort was due to irritable bowel syndrome. Pap smears are not very
effective with detecting ovarian cancer, thus women who do not inform their
physician of abdominal discomfort may not receive an early diagnosis. Ovarian
cancer is usually detected with a pelvic exam, in which a mass on the ovaries
may be detected. An abdominal ultrasound is also used for detecting ovarian
cancer. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
Abdominal Cramping
Pelvic Pain
Bloating/Intestinal Gas
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Change in Bowel Habits
Painful Intercourse
Women who experience any of these symptoms for an extended period should
consult their physician or gynecologist.