A uterine cancer diagnosis might be scary, but the good thing is that endometrial cancer, the most common type, is curable, especially when detected early. Often, uterine cancer refers to all cancer types that affect a woman’s uterus.
An American Cancer Society report estimates that around 65,950 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2022. Usually, this cancer is common among women aged 45 and above, but it can also affect younger women.
The Elrod Pope Law Firm is consulting with individuals who have been diagnosed with uterine cancer and their families following the regular use of hair relaxer products. Contact us about filing a hair relaxer cancer lawsuit.
Understanding Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer remains one of the most common types of gynecological cancers that most women across the globe deal with.
Uterine cancer is divided into two main types: uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer.
- Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterine cancer and often affects the uterus lining.
- Uterine sarcoma is the rarer type of uterine cancer. It develops in the uterus’ supporting tissues and in the muscles.
Risk Factors for Uterine Cancer
Often, uterine cancer affects the womb or uterus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 50,600 women are diagnosed with uterine cancer each year.
Here are some common risk factors for uterine cancer:
1. Frequent Use of Hair Relaxers Products
Using hair relaxers frequently is a risk factor for uterine cancer. A study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found that uterine cancer was common among women who used hair relaxers and straightening products. Usually, such products contain chemicals like metals, phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde, which are known to disrupt endocrine.
2. High endometrium exposure to estrogen
When your endometrium gets exposed to estrogen, it increases the chances of developing uterine cancer. Several factors, such as never giving birth, early age menstruation, and menopause, could increase such risk of exposure.
3. Obesity
A large number of reported uterine cases are closely linked to obesity. Usually, when you are overweight, your tissues produce extra estrogen, which increases the chances of developing uterine cancer.
4. Age
Most cases of uterine cancer are reported among women aged 45 years and above. However, 60 years is considered the average age for uterine cancer diagnosis. If you are within this age bracket, you are at a high risk of developing uterine cancer.
5. Genetics
If uterine cancer runs in your family, you are at risk of developing this disease. This case is typical in families with known hereditary colon cancer and Lynch syndrome. Statistics show that 2-5% of women with endometrial cancer also suffer from Lynch syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
How do you know that you have uterine cancer? There is no reliable or easy way to detect uterine cancer or any other gynecologic cancers, but when you get uterine cancer, your body will change significantly.
It is necessary, therefore, to know the warning signs. Understanding uterine cancer’s various signs and symptoms will help you seek medical treatment early.
The common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include the following:
1. Unusual vaginal bleeding
One of the common signs and symptoms of uterine cancer is unusual vaginal discharge, spotting, or bleeding. If you are premenopausal, you will likely experience menorrhagia – often prolonged or abnormally heavy bleeding.
2. Painful pelvic area
Another critical sign of uterine cancer is continuous pain around the pelvic area. Whereas other conditions would cause such pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention whenever you develop pain in the pelvic region.
3. Pain during intercourse
Uterine cancer affects the female reproductive organ. When the uterus tissues and linings are affected, you will feel unexplained pain during sexual intercourse. Often, pain during sex is an early warning sign of endometrial cancer.
4. A mass or lump in the vagina
Feeling a mass or a lump in your vagina could be the result of uterine cancer. It is important to get checked by a qualified doctor immediately after you notice such a change.
5. Sudden weight loss
When you lose weight without any known cause, it might be an early sign of uterine cancer.
File a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit for a Uterine Cancer Diagnosis
If you or a family member developed uterine cancer after using certain hair relaxers, you could sue the manufacturer. Talk to us today, and we will use every option at our disposal to seek a positive outcome for you. Contact us today to get started with your case.
Uterine Cancer FAQs
What tests will I undergo to determine if I have uterine cancer?
Your doctor will perform several tests, including transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, dilation and curettage, and hysteroscopy.
What are the common treatments for uterine cancer?
Different patients will require diverse treatment approaches. However, the common uterine treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
