Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Risk Factors: Ladies (and Gents), Please Read

Posted on November 20, 2013December 20, 2019 by Pamela M. Bond Contractor

Peach Ribbon for Uterine Cancer Awareness

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THIS INFORMATION IS BEING UPDATED for 2020, SO PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON.

Read the companion piece, Breast Cancer Risk Factors.

While this information is being updated, please keep in mind that estrogen-related factors account for 80% of uterine cancers and that obesity is a big part of the problem. Hereditary factors also play a role. And uterine cancer can strike women of child-bearing age as well as menopausal women.

The primary symptom to watch for is abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, with or without accompanying vaginal or pelvic pain. Regardless of your age, if you experience such symptoms, see your gynecologist immediately.

11 thoughts on “Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Risk Factors: Ladies (and Gents), Please Read”

Kathryn November 21, 20136:13 PM Reply

Truly informative, Pam. Thank you for all women reading this and men who love women.
Thrilled with your mam results. Keep going like you are, you are amazing, Kathryn

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Pamela Bond Contractor November 21, 20136:25 PM Reply

Thanks so much, Kathryn. I got less than good news today from the dermatologist and will be posting about the skin cancer on my scalp later tonight. Soon I’d like very much to set up a time to talk with you so I can hear as much of your story as you’d like to share. Until then, thanks again for your much-needed support!

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chakra September 29, 20152:45 PM Reply

Élément spirituel : Le Son Intérieur, le son que l’on entend à l’intérieur et
qui ne dépend pas d’événements extérieurs.

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1. Pamela M. Bond Contractor October 5, 20154:20 PM Reply
  
  Is this a correct translation? “Spiritual element: The Inner Sound, the sound one hears inside and which does not depend on external events.”
  
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helensamia November 21, 20166:21 PM Reply

I had none of the risk factors except for a grandfather who had colon cancer. I got uterine cancer at age 49 … all I had was one heavy bleed and some pain, and I had stage 3….

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1. Anonymous November 22, 20169:24 AM Reply
  
  Helen —
  
  Age 49 is still considered young to get uterine cancer, but the incidence among pre-menopausal women is rising. Some women experience few, if any, symptoms, and no screening test is available (Pap tests check only the cervix–the opening to the uterus). I had continuous light bleeding for 6 weeks, but no pain.
  
  You said you had stage 3 cancer–I’m wondering what treatment you had, and when, and would like to hear how you’re doing now.
  
  Thanks for your comment, and I hope to hear from you.
  
  Best wishes,
  Pamela
  
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  1. helensamia November 22, 201611:20 AM
    
    I had a radical hysterectomy and 28 sessions of radiation … the cancer never came back … that was 16 years ago … however in 2010 I started to experience numbness and tingling in my feet and difficulty walking … over the years till February 2015 this got worse and worse … I had intensive physio but I lost the use of my legs … I was diagnosed with Radiation Induced Lumbar Plexopathy (RILP) … a late-stage side effect of radiation that can cause paralysis … I also experience bowel issues from the radiation … I think I have paid a very high price for having my cancer cured and not sure why I am the tiny percentage that this can happen to … I write a blog about this called … “Life in a Wheelchair” … I also run a Facebook page for others with RILP …
    
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  2. Pamela M. Bond Contractor November 23, 201611:45 AM
    
    Helen,
    
    I am saddened to read of this devastating outcome of your radiation treatment for uterine cancer. This is a terrible side effect I was not aware of.
    
    Your sites are valuable for the rare people who experience RILP, and I would like to be in touch with you further about your story by email in the near future.
    
    Thank you so much for posting your comments and for raising awareness of the potentially damaging effects of radiation. This reaffirms in my own mind that I made the right decision about going with internal vaginal radiation (brachytherapy) rather than external radiation.
    
    However, each case is different, and I urge women to consult with their clinical teams — and to get second opinions — about side effects and survival rates before making their own decision about radiation therapy and other treatment options.
    
    More soon.
    
    Best wishes,
    
    Pamela
    
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  3. helensamia November 23, 201611:47 AM
    
    Thanks xx
    
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  4. helensamia November 23, 20163:46 PM
    
    I do not want to scare people about radiation as it must be remembered this is a very very rare side effect … The treatment saved my life and for nearly 15 years with few problems … except lymphedema … yes life is difficult now but I am here and this year I had the joy of my first grandchild arriving …
    
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  5. Pamela M. Bond Contractor November 23, 20167:01 PM
    
    Yes, Helen, I understand why you shared your radiation complications. As challenging as they’ve been, I am so happy for you that your life was saved 15 years ago so that you could welcome your first grandchild. Congratulations!
    
    As I said in my comment above, each patient must do her “homework” and ask probing questions of her doctors — including second-opinion consultants — to make the best decision for her.
    
    Enjoy life as a grandmama! I’m still waiting for that pleasure.
    
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