Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a cancer that forms in the endometrium, which is the fine inner lining of the uterus, or the womb. The uterus is located in the pelvic area and resembles the shape of a papaya or a pear. 90% of all uterine cancers are formed in the endometrium.

This cancer mainly affects women who have already gone through menopause. The majority of cases are in women aged 55-70.

Medical professionals do not know what exactly causes Endometrial cancer, but it has been linked to too much estrogen, which is a female hormone. It is the ovaries which produce the estrogen, but they also produce another hormone called progesterone which helps to balance the estrogen. These two hormones need to be in balance, but if too much estrogen is produced it will cause the endometrium to grow, thus increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

There are other factors which increase the levels of estrogen and one of them is obesity. Fatty tissues in the body also produce the hormone estrogen. A diet with a high intake of animal fats including meat, dairy, and poultry, along with processed foods and refined sugars is the number one cause of obesity. These foods should be avoided especially by those who are at risk.

Those at risk are women who have gone through menopause, have had no children, have diabetes, have had breast cancer, or are on a high fat diet.

The first sign of endometrial cancer is bleeding or spotting. Bleeding or spotting may not always be the result of cancer, but it is good idea to have it checked out just in case.

Other symptoms of endometrial cancer are weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, trouble urinating and pain during intercourse.

If caught in its early stages, endometrial cancer is treatable, either by conventional medicine or natural healing.

Conventional treatment requires surgery, which is known as a hysterectomy. A partial hysterectomy is where only the uterus is removed, and a total hysterectomy is where the ovaries and tubes are removed as well.

Natural treatments which have proven to be very effective are Botanical and Chinese medicines. Both of these medicines use herbs and plant extracts. Together these will help to build the immune system so that it can fight the cancer, and be healed.

Diet is also very important, by eating a raw diet and drinking freshly squeezed fruits and vegetable juices, one can help to restore the well being of the body.

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the womb, which is also referred to as a uterine cancer. The uterus is located in the pelvic area and is shaped similar to that of a papaya or a pear. 90% of all uterine cancers are endometrial cancers, and are the third most common amongst women.

The cancer occurs in the cells of the inner lining of the uterus which is called the endometrium. As this lining grows, cancer is formed. Medical professionals do not know the cause of endometrium cancer, but the majority of evidences point to having been exposed to high levels of estrogen.

Endometrial cancer mainly affects women who have gone through menopause, especially those who are 55 years of age, or older.

Some of the risk factors include obesity, a high intake of animal proteins and fats, diabetics, women who have had breast or ovarian cancer, women who have been treated with tamoxifen, women who have never had children, have irregular menstrual cycles, and have high blood pressure.

The good thing about endometrial cancers is that it is highly treatable. Most women are able to detect the symptoms at an early enough stage for treatments to be effective and cure the cancer.

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with Endometrial cancer are:

Bleeding or spotting, beginning at 12 months after menopause. This is usually the first sign and it may not always be the result of cancer, but nevertheless, it should be checked out by a medical professional.
Bleeding in between periods in pre-menopausal women. This also may not be a sign of cancer, but still should be checked out just to be on the safe side.
Any unusual vaginal discharge which is not related to the menstrual cycle may also be a sign of cancer.
Unusual long, heavy or frequent vaginal bleedings after the age of 40.
A thin white, or clear vaginal discharge after menopause.
Bleeding after intercourse.
Pain during intercourse.
Trouble urinating.
Lower abdominal pain.
Pelvic pain might also be a symptom, although this rarely occurs.
Weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue are also symptoms which should not be ignored.

If you are at risk for developing endometrial cancer and you are experiencing any of the above symptoms you need to have it checked out by a medical professional. A biopsy will be done to determine whether cancer is present or not. If cancer is present, or suspected, a sample of the endometrium will be removed for further testing.