Uterine cancer, or cancer of the uterus (the womb) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. Almost all cases start in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
What is Uterine Cancer? How does it occur?
Uterine cancer, or cancer of the uterus (the womb) is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs. Almost all cases start in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
The uterus is where a foetus grows when a woman is pregnant. It is hollow and pear shaped with two main parts:
The cervix, which is the bottom part and extends into the vagina (the birth canal)
The body of the uterus is the upper part. It also may be called the corpus. It has two main parts — the muscle wall, which contracts when a woman has a baby, and the inner lining (endometrium).
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
When a woman menstruates (has a period), the endometrium becomes thicker. If she does not become pregnant, the new endometrial tissue goes out of the body as menstrual flow (blood). This happens about every month until a woman stops having periods. When a woman stops having periods it is called menopause.
Types of Uterine Cancer
Endometrial cancer: Almost all uterine cancers start in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
The two main types of endometrial cancer are:
Uterine sarcomas: These are less common types of uterine cancer and start in the muscle wall of the uterus.
Most uterine cancers develop over a period of years. They may start as less serious problems such as endometrial hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of cells in the lining of the uterus.
Fortunately, many uterine cancers are found early because of warning signs such as abnormal or postmenopausal bleeding. If uterine cancer is found in the earliest stages, it often can be treated successfully.
Who is more prone to get Uterine Cancer?
Anything that increases your chance of getting uterine cancer is a risk factor. These include:
Obesity: Being overweight raises your risk two to four times. A higher level of fat tissue increases your level of estrogen.
Tamoxifen: This breast cancer drug can cause the uterine lining to grow. If you take tamoxifen and have changes in your menstrual period or bleeding after menopause, it is important to let your doctor know.
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) without progesterone if you have a uterus. Birth control pills may lower your risk.
Personal/family history of uterine, ovarian or colon cancer. This may be a sign of Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC).
Learn more about hereditary cancer syndromes.
Complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia: This precancerous condition may become uterine cancer if not treated. Simple hyperplasia rarely becomes cancer.
Number of menstrual cycles (periods): If you started having periods before 12 years old or went through menopause late, your risk of uterine cancer may be higher.
Pelvic radiation to treat other kinds of cancer. The main risk factor for uterine sarcoma is a history of high-dose radiation therapy in the pelvic area.
Not everyone with risk factors gets uterine cancer. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.
Learn more about Uterine cancer prevention
Behavioural and lifestyle changes can help prevent uterine cancer. Visit our prevention and screening section to learn how to manage your risk.
Some cases of uterine cancer can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counselling may be right for you.
Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.
Uterine Cancer Treatments in Mauritius
Aegle Cancer Hospital focuses an incredible level of expertise and experience on each patient with uterine cancer. From diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, your care is personalised and designed especially for you.
Our experts consider all the options, and then they recommend the most-advanced therapies with the least impact on your body. They have at their fingertips the latest technology and techniques.
Your treatment team, which may include medical, surgical and radiation oncologists; gynaecologists; pathologists; and diagnostic radiologists, collaborates and communicates each step of the way. A specially trained staff with experience in caring for women with uterine cancer supports the team.
Are there doctors in Mauritius qualified for Uterine Cancer treatment?
Surgery often is part of the treatment for uterine cancer. At Aegle Cancer Hospital, our highly specialised surgeons are among the most experienced and skillful in the country. In many cases, they are able to perform minimally invasive surgeries and use robotic surgery for uterine cancer. These procedures may help lessen the time it takes you to heal and the time you need to spend in the hospital.
At Aegle Cancer Hospital, we go beyond treating disease. We are dedicated to helping women who have been treated for endometrial cancer get back to a healthy life. For instance, we offer special support groups just for women with uterine cancer.
In addition, we are working toward a better understanding of uterine cancer on a molecular basis.