In July 2022, I had my routine yearly checkup, and the result of my pap test was abnormal. This had happened before, but nothing had come of it. Therefore, I went in for a follow-up pap test, which was abnormal again. Knowing something was wrong, my Doctor then performed a biopsy, and the results revealed I had Uterine Cancer. 

When you receive the news that you have been diagnosed with cancer, Your mind races with questions and thoughts of the worst possible outcomes, but you must put all those thoughts aside and focus on the positive and the present.

My obstetrician referred me to an oncologist, Dr. Johnathan Oh. During our consultation, we discussed my medical history, test results, and my last pap smear, which was normal one year ago. Based on this information, we developed a treatment plan. We decided to proceed with a hysterectomy and then review the pathology report to determine if any additional steps were necessary. Dr. Oh was confident we had caught it early and a hysterectomy would be the only required treatment.

I underwent a hysterectomy in September 2022 and received good news: we caught the cancer at an early stage, and all I needed was a hysterectomy. No further treatment was required, and I now attend regular check-ups every three months to monitor.

A friend recently referred me to a YouTube channel run by an OB that provides a lot of information on uterine cancer. I learned that uterine cancer is one of the most common forms of gynecologic cancer, with around 66,200 women in the United States expected to be diagnosed with it by 2023, this according to the American Cancer Society. It's also known as endometrial cancer, and it affects women's reproductive organs. It's the fourth most common type of cancer among women. Although the exact cause of uterine cancer is unknown, certain risk factors may increase a woman's chances of developing the disease.

Top 5 Risk factors for uterine cancer include:

• Age: Uterine cancer is more commonly diagnosed in postmenopausal women. The risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over 50.

• Obesity: There is a strong association between obesity and uterine cancer. Excess body weight and obesity around the abdomen can lead to increased levels of estrogen, which may promote the growth of uterine cancer cells.

• Endometrial Hyperplasia: This condition involves the thickening of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, due to increased endometrial glands. Endometrial hyperplasia is considered a precancerous condition because it can progress to uterine cancer if left untreated.

• Estrogen Exposure: Prolonged exposure to estrogen without the counterbalancing effects of progesterone can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Factors that contribute to excess estrogen exposure include early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without progesterone, and certain estrogen-producing conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Hereditary Factors: Inherited genetic mutations, such as those in genes like Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) and mutations in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene (associated with Cowden syndrome), can predispose individuals to uterine cancer. Women with a family history of uterine, ovarian, or colorectal cancer may have an increased risk.

  Symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

• Irregular or heavy bleeding.

• Discomfort or pressure in the pelvic area.

• Pain during sexual intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge.

• The presence of lumps or masses in the pelvic region.

  It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment. Interestingly, some of the symptoms of perimenopause are similar to those of Uterine Cancer. Therefore, getting a yearly pap smear is vital.

Treatment for uterine cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. In the case of early-stage uterine cancer, surgery is usually the preferred option to remove the uterus and any affected tissue. However, in advanced-stage uterine cancer situations, a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may be necessary.

Again information is key; research, reach out to family and friends, and if you have any of the above symptoms, contact your Doctor. 

You are your best advocate!

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All opinions are always 100% honest and my own and are based on what I have been through in my 50s with Perimenopause and Menopause and Cancer. I am not an expert or claim to be one. 

Just a participant in Menopause.

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