Essay On Uterine Cancer

1320 Words3 Pages

Kortney McQueen
Mr. Frank Barnett
Pharmacy 1030
April 20, 2014
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is caused when new cells in the body are formed when not needed or when old or damaged cells don’t die when they should. This buildup of extra cells will form a growth known as a tumor. Tumors in the uterus can either be benign which is not cancerous or malignant which is cancerous. The malignant tumors may be life threatening if not treated. They can spread to other tissues, organs, and body parts. In this case the cancer can spread, or metastasis, to other parts of the female reproductive system.
There are certain risk factors that goes along with a diagnosis of uterine cancer. An abnormal increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus. Also women who are obese have a greater chance of developing uterine cancer than those who are not. Other risk factors include women who have never produced children, started menstruating before the age of twelve, experienced menopause after age 55, have taken estrogen without progesterone for menopausal hormone therapy, those who took tamoxifen, the drug to prevent or treat breast cancer, and those who have had radiation therapy to the pelvis. Family history also plays a role in the chances of developing uterine cancer. Women with family members such as a mother or sister are at increased risk. Many women who are affected by this type of cancer may have none of the above risk factors as well as women who have these risk factors don’t develop the disease.
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. The flow might start out as light but will gradually get heavy. Other symptoms include abnormal vaginal spotting or discharge, painful or difficult urination al...

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...with others families who have experienced the same ordeal and share what they have learned about coping with cancer and the many side effects of treatment. Overall cancer is a disease that can change a person’s world completely. For many it comes as a surprise because no one expects to get cancer. This diagnosis can bring on so many mixed emotions from anger to depression. That is why a strong support system is the best medicine for these patients emotionally. With uterine cancer, early diagnosis is the key, but so many women often deny signs and symptoms passing it off for nothing. As women we must understand that it is very important to maintain good health and get regular yearly physicals. For those who have a family history of cancer it is very important to start getting testing as early as possible. Early detection is the key to preventing and treating cancer.

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