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Uterine Cancer Risk Factors

Uterine cancer is a malignant cancer of uterus. It is the most common reproductive system cancer in the United States and many other developed nations. Caucasian white women are at higher risk of developing the cancer than those of other races. Uterine cancer manifests in the form of endometrial cancer or uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer affects the lining of the uterus while sarcoma affects the uterine connective tissue.

Exact causes of uterine cancer are unclear. However, a number of risk factors have been identified to be associated with the condition. These include:

• High Estrogen Level

Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries during menstruation cycle. Research has confirmed that excessive estrogen levels encourage the manifestation of uterine cancer. Estrogen level is high in obese women, women who undergo certain estrogen treatments and those on tamoxifen treatment.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that was developed to regulate hormonal flow in menopausal women. Recent research has established a link between HRT and uterine cancer—touting it as a risk factor.

• Hormone Variation/Overdose
Hormonal changes/overdose are linked to uterine cancer. Hormonal changes are common in menopause, during which typical reproductive activities of the body cease to function normally. These changes are attributed to hormonal irregularities, which increase a body’s susceptibility to developing uterine cancer.

Endometrial hyperplasia is another condition that causes hormonal variation. This is when the menstrual cycle is not regular, prolonged bleeding or amenorrhea. 

• Nulliparity
Women who have never born a child (nulliparity) are at increased risk of having uterine cancer. The female reproductive system is designed for the purpose of procreation and if its hormones are never put to use by the natural stage of pregnancy, malfunction manifests in the form of uterine cancer.

• Age
Age is a significant risk factor of uterine cancer. Women older than 50 years are more susceptible to developing the condition than younger women.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for Uterine Cancer call today.