Dr N is going to use the opportunity to raise awareness of Cancer of the lining of the uterus. It is the most common malignancy arising from the female reproductive tract in the Western World. In 2012, about 47,000 cases are projected to be diagnosed and about 8000 deaths will be as a result of this diseae. A pap smear does not diagnose this cancer most of the time. It is more common in women over 40 and the risk increases with age. Risk factors are obesity, history of endometrial polyps and history of colorectal cancer. Birth control pills tend to have a protective effect against this cancer. The most common presenting symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding, not like a period.
Dr N wants to raise awareness to this cancer and the risks of obesity as it relates to this and other cancers.
See your doctor if you are bleeding after menopause or have irregular bleeding over 40. If it is diagnosed early, it can be treated and cured.
Let’s all be aware.