Stay Healthy! Learn About Uterine Cancer
American Cancer Society

Did you know uterine cancer occurs in two different forms?

And both can be cured!

Cervical
It is important to know that cervical cancer is almost 100 percent curable when detected and treated early. It develops in the neck of the uterus. Although it is most common in women over 25, it can occur in younger women. Your best protection against cervical cancer is the Pap test. How often should you have it? All women who are, or who have been sexually active, or have reached age 18, should have an annual Pap test and pelvic examination. After a woman has had three or more consecutive satisfactory, normal annual examinations, the Pap test may be performed less frequently at the discretion of her physician. If you have a warning sign like irregular bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge, you should see your doctor right away. It may not mean you have cervical cancer, but you'll want to have peace of mind.

What is a Pap test?

The Pap test helps your doctor detect cervical cancer at its earliest stage. Developed by Dr. George N. Papanicolaou and named for him, the Pap test is an examination under microscope of cells normally shed from the body of the uterus and cervix. The Pap test is a simple procedure. It doesn't hurt. It doesn't take much time. It is done in a doctor's office or clinic.

Are there risk factors for cervical cancer?

Women who began sexual intercourse at an early age, who have had multiple partners, or who have been infected with the human papillomavirus (a virus transmitted from the male during sexual intercourse that causes genital warts) are at higher risk for cervical cancers.

Endometrial

About 90 percent of endometrial cancer cases detected early can be cured. It develops in the tissue lining the body of the uterus, and is most common in mature women between the ages of 60 and 75. The Pap test is not as accurate in detecting this cancer as it is with cervical cancer.Protection is provided by taking a sample of endometrial tissue to check under a microscope for cell changes if you are at high risk. Women age 40 and over should have a pelvic examevery year as part of a cancer related checkup. The Pap test should be done at least every three years after the three initial negative tests one year apart for continued protection against both endometrial and cervical cancer. If you have a warning signal like bleeding between periods, excessive bleeding during periods and, most especially, bleeding after your regular periods have stopped, you should see a doctor right away. It may not mean you have cancer, but you'll want to have peace of mind.

Are there risk factors for endometrial cancer?

Higher risk groups include women who have infertility problems or who have been told they have ovulation failure; those with obesity problems; and those who have had, or who are having estrogen therapy for more than two years without taking progesterone; and those with a family history of endometrial cancer.

It's important to know cancer doesn't always give a warning.

That is why the Pap test is so valuable and why regular cancer related checkups are important. They are your best protection against both forms of uterine cancer.

Know cancer's seven warning signals!

1. Change in bowel or bladder habits.
2. A sore that does not heal.
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.
4. Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.
5. Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6. Obvious change in wart or mole.
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness.

If you have a warning signal, see your doctor.