![]() ![]() Women with Lynch syndrome have a 40% to 60% chance of developing endometrial cancer at some point in their lives. When these genes are abnormal and replicate, the body’s ability to regulate cell growth and repair damage to DNA becomes impaired, resulting in a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer. Other gene defects that are known to cause Lynch syndrome include the MLH5, MSH6, PMS1, PMS2 and TGBR2 genes. Lynch syndrome is typically caused by a defect in either the MLH1 or MLH2 gene. ![]() Is endometrial/uterine cancer genetic?Įndometrial/uterine cancer is not passed down from one generation to another, but some people do have a higher risk of developing this malignancy because Lynch syndrome runs in their family. This will help you achieve the best possible outcome and quality of life. That said, if you are experiencing possible signs of endometrial/uterine cancer, you should see a physician promptly for an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, appropriate treatment. In fact, more often than not, these symptoms are caused by a less serious health condition, such as non-cancerous changes in the uterus or a precancerous overgrowth of the endometrium. It’s important to understand that none of the symptoms or risk factors stated above can give a conclusive indicator of cancer. What to do if you experience endometrial/uterine cancer symptoms If a woman has a close relative who has been diagnosed with HNPCC, she should discuss her endometrial/uterine cancer risk profile with a physician and perhaps consider genetic testing. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)Īlso known as Lynch syndrome, HNPCC is an inherited condition that increases the risk of colon cancer, as well as endometrial/uterine cancer and several other types of cancer. Furthermore, overweight individuals often have chronic low-level inflammation, which can cause DNA damage that leads to the development of cancer over time. While the ovaries normally create and release sufficient amounts of estrogen, fatty tissue can also produce this hormone, thereby increasing a woman's estrogen levels and her endometrial/uterine cancer risk. Excess body weightīeing overweight or obese has been definitively linked to an increased risk of many types of cancer, including endometrial/uterine cancer. Additionally, a woman may be exposed to excess estrogen if her body naturally produces too much or if she has never been pregnant, uses hormone therapy to relieve menopause symptoms, takes tamoxifen to prevent or treat breast cancer or has an ovarian tumor that secretes estrogen. Because early-onset menstruation and late-onset menopause can increase the number of menstrual cycles a woman has throughout her lifetime, these factors can also increase her exposure to estrogen and her risk of developing endometrial/uterine cancer. During each menstrual cycle, the endometrium is normally exposed to a controlled amount of estrogen. Through research, however, scientists have identified certain factors that may increase a woman’s risk of developing endometrial/uterine cancer, including: Increased estrogen exposureĪ hormone that regulates the female reproductive system, estrogen can also fuel the growth of endometrial/uterine cancer. The precise causes of these changes are not yet well understood within the medical community. The most common symptoms of endometrial/uterine cancer include:Įndometrial/uterine cancer develops when cells in the uterine lining undergo abnormal changes that interfere with their ability to control their division and growth. ![]() ![]() However, endometrial/uterine cancer can affect the body in many other ways. The most common symptom of endometrial/uterine cancer is vaginal bleeding, which may occur in between menstrual periods or after menopause. Early warning signs and symptoms of endometrial/uterine cancer For these reasons, it is important for a woman to become familiar with her body and what is normal for her, and to talk with a physician right away if she notices any unusual changes. The symptoms of endometrial/uterine cancer are not always noticeable and, when they are, they can be similar to those of other, less serious conditions. If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium later sheds during menstruation. Each month, the endometrium increases in thickness to prepare for the implantation of a fertilized egg. This dynamic tissue continually adjusts to hormonal changes that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The most common type of uterine cancer develops in the functional layer of cells that forms the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). ![]()
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