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Uterus cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, ranks sixth among cancers that most significantly impact women globally. Uterine cancer affects about 28 out of every 100,000 women die from it annually. Its incidence is sharply rising, making it one of the most predominant cancer types affecting women in the country.
But what does this mean for you or anyone dear to you?
Uterine cancer develops due to uncontrolled DNA mutations in the cells of the uterus, primarily in the inner lining (endometrium )or, less commonly, in the muscle tissues of the uterus (myometrium).
The good news?
Through timely detection, uterine cancer is curable with surgery, typically being the first line of treatment.
If you or someone you know has been struggling with uterus cancer symptoms, this guide will help you understand what uterus cancer is, the reasons for uterus cancer, early signs and treatment options.
Understanding Uterus Cancer
Uterine cancer is the most common form of cancer caused by abnormal cell growth in the uterus, caused by uncontrolled genetic mutation. There are two types of uterine cancer:
- Endometrial Cancer: Occurs on the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) and accounts for approximately 95% of uterine cancer cases.
- Uterus Sarcomas: Rare cancers originate in the muscular wall (myometrium) of the uterus.
Identifying uterine cancer symptoms in time is less likely to invade nearby organs, such as the adjacent organs in the pelvis.
What are the Causes of Uterus Cancer?
Some common reasons for uterine cancer include:
- Early menstruation or late menopause
- Obesity or being overweight
- Diabetes and Hypertension
- Infertility or ovarian disease
- Abnormal periods or hormonal imbalance
- Family history of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or uterine cancer
- High intake of red meat and processed or high-fat foods
- Hormone replacement therapy
Understanding why uterine cancer happens helps in taking preventive steps and safeguarding overall reproductive wellness.
What are the Symptoms of Uterus Cancer?
Watch out for these uterine cancer symptoms to detect the cancerous cell growth at an initial stage:
- Vaginal bleeding or light spotting after menopause
- Excessive bleeding during periods
- Cramping or pelvic pain
- Lower abdominal pain
- Excessive vaginal bleeding when you reach your 40s or above
- White discharge from the vagina after menopause
- Unexplained bleeding in women after 40.
Uterus Cancer Treatment
Healing starts with timely treatment and ends with staying vigilant about health. Doctors usually involve two types of treatment methods for uterine cancer, which are surgical and non-surgical treatments. Here is the description for these two:
Surgical Treatment
Generally, surgery is the first-line treatment to remove the uterine tumour through hysterectomy, thereby restricting its further progression to other healthy organs. Here are the different types of surgery that a healthcare expert might recommend:
- Vaginal Hysterectomy: It is used for the removal of the uterus through the vagina.
- Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: It removes the uterus through an abdominal incision
- Radical Hysterectomy: It removes the uterus and the surrounding tissues. Also, the upper part of the vagina is removed to end the cancerous cervix.
- Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: This procedure is performed robotically or laparoscopically.
Non-surgical Treatments
The surgical treatment of uterine cancer can be paired with the following non-surgical treatments:
- Chemotherapy: In this treatment, powerful drugs are used to kill cancer cells
- Hormonal Therapy: It is used to block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
- Radiation Therapy: Here, intense radiation beams target cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: It helps the immune system fight cancer growth.
- Targeted Therapy: This helps deliver potent drugs that inhibit DNA mutations.
Prevention Tips For Uterine Cancer
While uterine cancer cannot be wholly prevented, risk reduction is possible.
Maintain a healthy weight. Control blood sugar and diabetes levels
Avoid the intake of unnecessary hormonal contraceptives
Eat fresh, unprocessed foods and reduce red meat intake.
Why Cancer-specific Insurance is Essential?
In 2022, India saw about 14.6 lakh new cancer cases, and roughly one out of every nine people is likely to develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. These numbers are alarming. And while prevention may not always be specific, being prepared for such a disease is essential.
You need to keep in mind that cancer treatment requires multiple hospitalisations and high costs that can burden the patient’s mental health and the family’s financial well-being.
A cancer-specific insurance plan helps by:
- Covering surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cancer medications, diagnostic tests, and others.
- Offering domiciliary hospitalisation, ambulance charges, and alternate treatments (AYUSH).
- Providing financial backup to cover cancer treatment costs or to make up for income loss.
Care Health Insurance’s Cancer Plan offers coverage up to INR 1 crore, including NCB bonus of up to 100%, annual health check-ups, OPD coverage, air ambulance, and global coverage.
Your Health Needs Coverage
Uterus cancer can be curable if and only if it is detected early. Awareness of uterus cancer symptoms, understanding what uterine cancer is, and knowing why uterine cancer happens make early diagnosis possible. Backing your effort with a reliable cancer insurance plan ensures strong health protection, financial stability, and overall peace of mind.
>> Also Read: Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
