Understanding Endometrial Cancer: The Triad of Risk Factors
Experts indicate that patients like Ms. Liu are becoming increasingly common; in just the past six months, 34 cases have been admitted to the second ward, with the majority being over 50 years old. This condition accounts for 19.2% of hospitalizations due to malignant tumors during the same period, notably with 88.2% of these patients also suffering from hypertension, 67.64% from diabetes, and 76.47% being significantly overweight. Collectively, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are recognized as the 'triad' of risk factors for endometrial cancer.
What is Endometrial Cancer?
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine body cancer, ranks as the third most common malignant tumor in women, following breast and cervical cancers. It most frequently affects women aged 58 to 61 years. Key symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge. The most common presentations are irregular vaginal bleeding during perimenopause and postmenopausal bleeding. In advanced stages, patients may experience pain in the abdomen, lower back, and even the legs due to cancer infiltration. In cases of infection, purulent vaginal discharge may also occur, alongside systemic symptoms like anemia and cachexia.
Identifying the High-Risk Factors
What are the primary risk factors associated with the development of endometrial cancer?
Prolonged Estrogen Stimulus
The first significant risk factor relates to chronic estrogen stimulation. Women who have not been pregnant or those with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome or functional ovarian tumors presenting high estrogen levels are at an increased risk. Furthermore, long-term use of estrogen without progesterone antagonism significantly raises the likelihood of developing this cancer. Interestingly, patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer tend to reach menopause approximately six years later than the average woman.
Metabolic Disorders
The second risk factor involves metabolic disorders, where patients with severe obesity, hypertension, and diabetes show considerably higher incidences of endometrial cancer.
Genetic Factors
Lastly, genetic factors play a role, with about 20% of endometrial cancer patients having close relatives with a history of familial tumors.
Early Detection of Endometrial Cancer
Despite the rising incidence of endometrial cancer worldwide, the disease often progresses over an extended period. Early symptoms are often noticeable, and a range of effective diagnostic methods such as imaging techniques, tumor markers, hysteroscopy, and especially diagnostic curettage are available. Regular check-ups can lead to early detection of the condition.
Treatment Options and Prognosis
Once diagnosed with endometrial cancer, the primary treatment should focus on surgery, often supplemented by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal treatments. Patients undergoing standardized treatment in the early stages of the disease can achieve a survival rate of over 90% over five years, while those in the advanced stages can still experience significant treatment benefits.
Important Advice for Older Women
Professor Geng Xiaoxing emphasizes the importance of caution for older women: avoid indiscriminate use of estrogen supplements; manage chronic diseases proactively; maintain healthy lifestyle choices, including a low-cholesterol diet and normal weight; be vigilant about menstrual changes during perimenopause, and seek immediate medical attention for postmenopausal bleeding or unusual discharge. Women at high risk should regularly consult specialized healthcare providers for check-ups.