Mindy Hatt
SCI 162
January 3, 2013
Julie Mathews
Chronic Disease Risk
Uterine cancer is of the lining of the uterus or womb. This lining is known as the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract. Risk factors are bleeding after menopause is usually the first sign. If that happens, the chances are one in three that you have this cancer. For women who haven't gone through menopause, bleeding between periods might signal either endometrial or cervical cancer. Other symptoms of endometrial cancer include pain during intercourse and painful or difficult urination. Those you can't control include genetics or family history, and environmental exposures or behaviors that occurred in the past. Those you can control include your current and future behavior, including diet and exercise, and your current and future environmental exposures, such as to tobacco smoke or other chemicals. Remember that risk factors are not absolute: having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely get cancer, and avoiding risk factors does not guarantee you will be healthy. They certainly affect your odds. Because behavior is the major contributor to cancer risk, every healthful change that you make can lower your risk further. Even though you are starting at a below-average risk level, there are probably several things you can do to lower your risk further. Behavior changes that can further reduce your risk are discussed below. Going to a health professional for regular pelvic exams may pick up changes in your uterus and can be good for your health. If you have any of the following symptoms you should see your healthcare provider. While they are most likely not caused by uterine cancer, these symptoms should be evaluated. 1- Abnormal vaginal bleeding. 2- Cramping or pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. 3- Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Life style changes may be your