Kortney McQueenMr. Frank BarnettPharmacy 1030April 20, 2014Uterine CancerUterine cancer is caused when new cells in the body form when they are not needed or when old or damaged cells do not die when they should. This accumulation of extra cells will form a growth called a tumor. Tumors of the uterus can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can be life-threatening if left untreated. They can spread to other tissues, organs and parts of the body. In this case, the cancer may spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the female reproductive system. Certain risk factors accompany a diagnosis of uterine cancer. An abnormal increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus. Additionally, women who are obese are more likely to develop uterine cancer than those who are not. Other risk factors include women who have never had children, who started menstruating before age twelve, who experienced menopause after age 55, who took estrogen without progesterone for menopausal hormone therapy, those who have taken tamoxifen, the medicine to prevent or treat breast cancer, and those who have had radiotherapy to the pelvis. Family history also plays a role in the risk of developing uterine cancer. Women with family members such as a mother or sister are at increased risk. Many women affected by this type of cancer may not have any of the above risk factors, and women with these risk factors do not develop the disease. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. The flow may start as light but will gradually become heavy. Other symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge or discharge, painful or difficult urination...... middle of paper ...... with other families who have been through the same ordeal and share what They learned about how to cope with cancer and the many side effects of treatment. Overall, cancer is a disease that can completely change a person's world. For many, this comes as a surprise because no one expects to have cancer. This diagnosis can bring up many mixed emotions, from anger to depression. This is why a strong support system is the best emotional medicine for these patients. With uterine cancer, early diagnosis is key, but many women often deny the signs and symptoms as nothing. As women, we need to understand that it is very important to stay healthy and have regular annual medical checkups. For those who have a family history of cancer, it is very important to start getting screened as early as possible. Early detection is key to cancer prevention and treatment.