Causes of Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer occurs when there is growth of abnormal cells in the uterus, and it is beyond control. Statistics reveal that 66,000 women in the US are most likely to get diagnosed with one of the types of uterine cancer.

Uterine carcinoma has two subtypes — endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer starts in the uterus lining. It is responsible for almost 95% of all cases of uterine cancer. It is more common than uterine sarcoma, which tends to develop in muscle tissue (myometrium) and is uncommon.

Here, we will discuss the causes of uterine cancer and the associated risk factors.

How is uterine cancer caused?

Causes of uterine cancer are many and may vary from individual to individual. Some of the causes are:

• Age: This is directly related to an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. It usually occurs after menopause.
  
  
• Family history: A family history of the disease is one of the significant causes of uterine cancer, particularly among individuals with conditions like Lynch syndrome and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

• Increased number of menstrual cycles: Women who experience early menstruation, typically at 12, undergo more menstrual cycles throughout their lifetime, increasing their risk of developing uterine cancer.
  
  
• Infertility: Obesity also contributes to the development of endometrial cancer. Fat in the body has the potential to alter hormonal levels, which ultimately affect the proper functioning of the body, leading to the development of several diseases and health problems.
  
  
• Hormone therapy for breast cancer: Another major cause of uterine or endometrial cancer is the intake of Tamoxifen, a hormone therapy medication for breast cancer. People with breast cancer who take this hormone therapy medicine may be at risk of developing uterine cancer.
• No pregnancy: Not being able to get pregnant even once can also be responsible for the development of uterine cancer in comparison to women who have had at least one pregnancy.
  
  
• Other ovarian diseases: Women who suffer from one or the other forms of ovarian tumours tend to have increased oestrogen levels and low levels of progesterone, again known as one of the causes of uterine cancer.

• Treatment for various health conditions: Radiation therapy used in the treatment of uterine cancer, Oestrogen Replacement Therapy, and hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment are some of the causes linked to the development of uterine cancer.
  
  
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome: PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is related to an imbalance in the hormone level of females, leading to excess production of oestrogen or androgen hormone and too little progesterone production. Too much oestrogen production and too little progesterone put females at risk of developing uterine cancer.
  
  
• Endometrial hyperplasia: This is a condition that leads to the thickening of the uterus lining. It tends to occur when a build-up of cells and glandular structures leads to the thickening of the uterus. Although hyperplasia is not cancer, this condition may increase the chances of the development of uterine cancer.
  
  
• Women with diabetes or high blood pressure: Women with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure remain at an increased risk of developing uterine cancer.  
  

Conclusion

There are many causes of uterine cancer. Here, we have tried to cover some major causes that can lead to uterine cancer development. However, the causes may differ from person to person and affect people differently. At times, having periods for a longer duration, starting periods at the age of 12 and attaining menopause after age 55, diabetes, high blood pressure, undergoing hormone therapies for the treatment of various ovarian tumours, etc., are all responsible for the development of uterine cancer. Also, ensure that you have a health insurance plan in place to safeguard yourself against any financial stress.

Disclaimer: the above blog aims to provide general information about health and related topics. Any information provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials is not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is important that you contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.