There are a good number of cancers that a woman can develop in her lifetime. One of these conditions is endometrial cancer. It’s the sixth leading cause of cancer death among American women. Therefore, approximately three in 100 women will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer at some point in their lifetime. Once endometrial cancer is present, it’s possible for the cancer to spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
An early diagnosis can greatly increase your chances of successful treatment and remission. That’s why it’s important for women to know what symptoms to recognize and when they should see a doctor.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
There are many signs of endometrial cancer a woman might experience. These signs can change depending on the growth of the cancer.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge is the most common symptom women should be aware of, especially if it occurs after a woman has gone through menopause. In perimenopause or occasionally younger women, this could be menstruation-related and involve heavier, long lasting, more frequent periods, or bleeding in between periods.
Other symptoms of endometrial cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge;
- Difficult or painful urination;
- Enlarged uterus;
- Pain during intercourse, and;
- Sudden weight loss.
If the cancer has spread to other organs, women might experience weakness and pain in the lower abs, back, or legs. These symptoms should be consulted with your doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and find out if it’s related to endometrial cancer.