One of the most common cancers in women, uterine cancer is known by more than one name. These; endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer originates from the cells of the lining of the uterus.

Healthy cells grow, divide and die in a certain order in order for the body to function normally. But sometimes cells undergo changes and their growth can get out of control. These cells continue to divide even when no new cells are needed.

This abnormal division begins to invade and destroy neighboring tissues. These cells spread to other parts of the body and continue their journey. There is a similar development in uterine cancers. Cancer cells develop in the lining of the uterus.

Then they begin their journey to other parts of the body. It is not known exactly why these cancer cells develop. However, estrogen hormone is thought to play a role in the development of uterine cancer. It is also known that research continues on gene changes that develop cancer in uterine cells.

Ways of Preventing Uterine (Endometrium) Cancer
Avoiding cancer-causing substances such as cigarettes and alcohol,
The use of birth control drugs helps to reduce the risk of cancer,
Condoms are among the top preventive measures during sexual intercourse.
Having regular smear test,
Getting the HPV vaccine.

Symptoms
What are the Symptoms of Uterine (Endometrium) Cancer?

Most endometrial cancers occur in postmenopausal women during the cessation of menses. In endometrial cancer, signs and symptoms such as any bleeding after menopause, bleeding between menstruation or prolongation of the menstrual period, an abnormal non-bloody discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and weight loss can be seen.

Two main hormones are secreted from the ovaries; Estrogen and Progesterone. The balance between these two hormones changes during menstruation (menstrual period). From the early period of the cycle, the endometrium (the layer that covers the uterus) thickens, and if pregnancy does not occur, the thickened endometrium sheds. If the balance between these two hormones turns in favor of estrogen, which stimulates the growth of the endometrium, the risk of developing endometrial cancer in women increases.

Uterine (Endometrium) Cancer Risk Factors

Factors that increase the estrogen level;

Long duration of menstruation: If menstruation begins at an early age (before 12 years old) or if menopause occurs at a late age, the risk of endometrial cancer increases. The more periods a woman has, the more estrogen the endometrium is exposed to.
Never been pregnant: Pregnancy seems to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, although it is not certain. More estrogen is released during pregnancy, but more progesterone is also secreted. Increased progesterone production can compensate for the effect of increased estrogen.
Ovulation irregularity: Ovulation means the monthly ejection of the egg from the ovary. This cycle is regulated by estrogen. Irregular ovulation or no ovulation increases exposure to estrogen. Among the causes of ovulation irregularities; obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the treatment of obesity and PCOS, monthly ovulation and menstruation are regulated. Thus, efforts are made to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Obesity: The source of estrogen is not just the ovaries. Fat tissue also secretes estrogen. In obesity, the level of estrogen in the body increases, thus putting women in the risk group for endometrial cancer. The risk of endometrial cancer increases 3 times in obese women. However, cancer can also occur in thin women.
Fatty diet: This type of diet can increase the risk of endometrial cancer as it leads to obesity, or fatty foods can directly affect estrogen metabolism, leading to the same result.
Diabetes: Endometrial cancer is more common in women with diabetes because obesity and diabetes often coexist. But thin women with diabetes are also at higher risk of cancer.
Estrogen replacement therapy: Estrogen stimulates the growth of the endometrium, and giving only estrogen therapy after menopause increases the risk of cancer. Combined administration of estrogen with progesterone hormone leads to thinning and shedding of the endometrium and a decrease in the risk of endometrial cancer.
Ovarian tumors: Some tumors of the ovary are a source of estrogen and increase the estrogen level.
Advanced age: Most of the endometrial cancers are seen after the age of 55.
Having a history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Using tamoxifen: Endometrial cancer is seen in one of every 500 women who have breast cancer and receive tamoxifen treatment. Tamoxifen has an estrogen-like effect on the endometrium and causes thickening of the endometrium. For this reason, an annual periodic pelvic examination should be done for everyone using tamoxifen, as it increases the risk of endometrial cancer.