An Irish expert has warned of one of the most common cancers in women or those with wombs, with more than half of people unaware of the signs and symptoms associated.
In total, there are six gynaecologic cancers, including ovarian, cervical, vaginal, vulvar and the rare fallopian tube cancer.
However, uterine is the most common form of gynaecologic cancer, and the fifth most common cancer affecting women.
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On average, 540 people in Ireland are diagnosed with uterine cancer in one shape or another. The most common form of it is endometrial, which develops in the lining of the womb.
According to Professor of Gynaecological Oncology, Donal Brennan, the incidence rate for uterine cancer is expected to increase by as much as 30% in the coming years.
He said: “There is a very clear relationship between uterine cancer and increasing levels of obesity. It is probably the cancer that has the closest relationship with being overweight or living with obesity.
“Interestingly, while lung cancer rates are decreasing, rates of cancers associating with obesity are increasing. We do know in the next five to ten years, obesity will be considered the most important cause of cancer throughout the Western World, at least.”
As a result, the “most important” risk factor for people to be aware of is their weight. Brennan said, however, that this doesn’t mean those living with obesity should be stigmatised.
“I know we talk about BMI, body mass index, as a measure for obesity, and it's not a very good measure, but if a lady has a body mass index of about 40, her risk of developing uterine cancer is seven times greater than a lady who has a BMI of under 25.
“It's important we don’t stigmatise women living with obesity as well. It is important that we address obesity as a disease as well as just a lifestyle issue,” he told RTE’s Claire Byrne on her radio show on Wednesday.
People can reduce their chances of getting uterine cancer by up to 10%, as well as improve their chances of survival, if they can reduce their weight.
In terms of endometrial cancer, diagnoses usually happen after menopause. However, Brennan said they are seeing an increase in those in their 40s presenting with it. This is partially due to obesity.
In relation to the symptoms to look out for, Brennan said: “The most common presentation is with bleeding after the menopause and that's why we're always very keen to remind women that if they have any episode of bleeding once they pass through the menopause, they must get checked out.”
This being said, Brennan assured that “90% of people” who have this type of bleeding will not have cancer, but it is important to be assessed.
For women in their 40s who may not yet be going through menopause, symptoms of uterine cancer could include very heavy periods or very irregular bleeding between periods. A biopsy may be done to access the situation, but Brennan said this is a “straight-forward” procedure that most will be sent for.
It is extremely important that you do take precautionary measures if you notice any changes.
He said: “If we can get one piece of information across today is if your period does change and become irregular, it's really not appropriate to just put up with it.
“If you’re over 40 and have irregular bleeding, it’s important that you get assessed, generally by a gynaecologist. Be assured that the vast majority of the time, everything will be fine, but you can at least be reassured that.
“Then, we will pick up that small number of cases where there are changes and then we can institute treatment.”
According to Brennan, there is no significant relationship between IVF and endometrial cancer. However, there is one between it and polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can cause infertility. PCOS is also associated with obesity, diabetes or irregular periods.
As well as that, those who have gone “many, many” years with less than five periods a year before menopause need to keep an eye on things.
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