Having genetic factors can raise a person’s risk of uterine cancer. Currently, there is no screening test, but some signs and symptoms may indicate a person has it.
Cancer that starts in the uterus, or womb, is known as uterine cancer. The uterus forms part of the female reproductive system and sits between the hip bones. It is where a fetus develops during pregnancy.
All people with a uterus are
There are two types of uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer is the more
This article discusses whether uterine cancer is genetic as well as other causes of the disease, symptoms, and treatment options.
![An illustration of genetic cancer research-2.](http://i0.wp.com/post.brandandgeneric.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/Genetic_cancers_GettyImages886907934_Header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&h=1528)
People with a family history of endometrial cancer in a parent or sibling are
For example, people living in the same household may share environmental or lifestyle risk factors that put them at risk of developing endometrial cancer. However, the researchers also add that other studies estimate a person’s genetics account for between 27 and 52% of endometrial cancers.
The review also notes that individuals with a family history of endometrial cancers are more at risk of:
A family history of other cancers, such as retinoblastoma and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC),
Lynch syndrome
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited condition that
People with Lynch syndrome have
- stomach
- liver
- kidney
- brain
- some types of skin cancer
Cowden syndrome
- a larger-than-average head
- abnormal changes to their skin
- issues with their blood vessels
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- learning or developmental delays
They also have an increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, including endometrial cancer.
The overall risk of a person developing endometrial cancer is about
- obesity
- metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that
raises a person’s risk of - sedentary lifestyles
- people undergoing childbirth later in life
- long-term use of hormone replacement therapy
Age is a potential
- having type 2 diabetes
- early menarche, or first menstruating
before 10 years old - late menopause, or menopause after
55 years old - nulliparity, or the medical term for never having given birth
- having
endometrial hyperplasia , an abnormal overgrowth of the layer of cells that line a person’s uterus - infertility
- polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that
can cause irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, and infertility - taking Tamoxifen, medication doctors prescribe for breast cancer treatment
- estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal individuals
Pelvic radiation therapy can
Uterine cancer
- be unusually heavy
- occur between periods
- happen after menopause
Uterine cancer can also
- pain or pressure in a person’s pelvis
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- dysuria, also called painful or difficult urination
- frequent urination
- pain during sexual intercourse
If a person has unusual or abnormal bleeding, especially after menopause, they should seek professional medical attention immediately.
Currently, there are
However, doctors can use tests to
The most common treatment for uterine cancer is a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the uterus. Other treatments may include:
- hormone therapy with drugs such as progestins or progestogens that
slow the growth of cancer cells - radiation therapy, where doctors
use high energy radiation such as X-rays to destroy cancer cells - chemotherapy, where doctors
prescribe a person drugs that destroy cancer cells
People with a family history of uterine cancer are more at risk of developing it, although there are other risk factors.
A person experiencing symptoms of uterine cancer should seek professional medical advice. These symptoms often include unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding. Pap smears do not detect uterine cancer, but doctors can perform other tests to check for it.