Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer develops in the uterus. It is the uterus where the fetus grows. It is a pelvic organ that has a hollow and pear shape. Abnormal discharge or bleeding from the vagina is a common uterine cancer symptom which is why the disease gets diagnosed at an early stage. There are two types of uterine cancer-

• Endometrial cancer

  The inner lining of the uterus is known as the endometrium. When cancer develops in this lining, it is known as endometrial cancer. Because this is one of the most common cancers developed in the uterus, it is also commonly called cancer uterine.

• Uterine sarcoma

  The muscle wall of the uterus is known as the myometrium. When cancer develops in this muscle, it is referred to as uterine sarcoma. It is quite a rare type of uterine cancer.

The exact cause and reason behind uterine cancer remain quite unexplained. However, the abnormal growth of cancer cells and their prolonged life is the major reason behind the development of uterine cancer. The cell's DNA mutates at an abnormal rate that disrupts the normal functioning of cell growth and division. Soon they form lumps and if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, they may spread to other body parts. Some of the commonly known risk factors include-

• Altered menstruation-

  The beginning of the menstrual cycle at an early stage kr menopause at an older age may develop chances of uterine cancer

• Unbalanced female hormones-

  Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones produced in the ovaries. A fluctuation in the balance of these two may lead to cancer

• No history of pregnancy-

  Women who have no history of pregnancy may also be at a higher risk of uterine cancer

• Breast cancer therapy-

  The treatment of breast cancer may require hormone therapy by taking tamoxifen. This may develop risk for uterine cancer

• Colon cancer syndrome-

  Lynch syndrome is the Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). It is inherited from parents and it increases the risk of several types of cancers including uterine cancer

The very basic question asked is "how I knew I had uterine cancer?" The answer to this question lies in understanding the symptoms of uterine cancer. The signs of uterine cancer may be slightly different in case of endometrial and sarcoma. These symptoms of uterine cancer are-

• Vaginal bleeding apart from periods
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic pain or abdominal pain
• Postmenopausal white discharge
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding post 40 years of age

Although these are the basic symptoms of uterine cancer, a woman must go for a proper diagnosis before reaching any conclusion. Having these signs does not surely indicate cancer. So, a doctor's opinion is a must.

The 5-year uterine cancer survival rate of people diagnosed with uterine cancer is around 90%. This is primarily because this disease is possible to detect at its early stage. Careful diagnosis and the uterine cancer treatment at the right time can save people from fatality due to uterine cancer. The doctor may also go for surgery to remove the uterus. This is the reason why this disease is highly curable

Preventive measures help you reduce the risk factors associated with uterine cancer. As some people are at higher risks of developing this disease, it is vital for them to have a better understanding of uterine cancer. Here are some of the preventive measures-

• A healthy diet with regular exercise is a must
• Go for regular checkups
• Consult your doctor immediately in case of any abnormal discharge from the vagina
• Keep your diabetes under control if you are diabetic
• Oral contraceptive pills also reduced the risk of uterine cancer. However, one must discuss it with the doctor before taking birth control pills as they may have other side effects
• Consult your doctor before taking hormone therapy after menopause to ensure there's no risk for uterine cancer

Health insurance cover is a helping hand that is most needed during the times of medical expenses. Due to the availability of financial assistance, people can focus better on treatment and recovery. Some common benefits may include-

• Lump sum payment

  Most insurance company provides a lump-sum payment of the sum insured when the cancer is diagnosed

• Tax benefits

  Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, one can avail of tax benefits against the premium paid

• A number or cancer covered

  Cancer is covered under critical illness. So, a policy that covers cancer may include different types of cancer like breast cancer, stomach, lung, ovarian, uterine cancer, etc.

• Wide coverage

  Apart from the regular medical expenses and treatment expenses, the policy also covers various stages of cancer. This helps in curing cancer due to the presence of financial aid

• Mental peace

  A health insurance cover means peace during the times of hospitalization. You need not panic about the bills when there's a helping hand to pay

• Cashless treatment

  The wide network hospitals of the health insurance companies have made the treatment easier and more comfortable. With cashless benefits, you need not take money with you to begin the treatment.

Health insurance policy provides a wide range of coverage. In the case of uterine cancer, it covers-

• Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
• Road ambulance cover
• Daycare procedures
• Medical expenses
• No claim bonus benefits
• Domiciliary hospitalization
• Some may also cover AYUSH treatment

Some common exclusions of a health insurance cover for uterine cancer may include-

• Cancer due to pre-existing diseases
• Cancer due to HIV, AIDS, or STDs
• Skin cancer may not be included
• Genetic causes of cancer
• Cancer due to exposure to radiation, chemicals, or certain biological elements
• Cancer due to war or famine
• Cosmetic treatment
• Dental treatment