Foundation for Women's Cancer Alerts Women to the Link Between Obesity and Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and the fourth most common cancer.
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer will participate in Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September by alerting women to the link between obesity and endometrial cancer, and urging them to know the symptoms of endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer and the fourth most common cancer. More than 52,600 will learn of a diagnosis this year alone. It is especially important for women with weight management challenges to know the early warning signs of the cancer. They include: abnormal vaginal bleeding; younger women should note irregular bleeding; and any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be evaluated by a physician, preferably a gynecologist.
Other risks for endometrial cancer include: taking estrogen alone without progesterone; diabetes; hypertension; menopause (after age 52); never becoming pregnant; and a family history of colon cancer or other type of uterine cancer.
Every woman is at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer. An estimated 95,000 new cases will be diagnosed and approximately 29,000 women, or nearly a third, will die from gynecologic cancers in the US in 2014.
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer first declared September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in 1999. Since then, the Foundation has been joined by organizations throughout the country to bring life-saving messages to women.
During GCAM in September and throughout the year, the Foundation for Women’s Cancer will focus increased emphasis on helping women understand the steps they can take to reduce the risks for these cancers and receive the earliest possible diagnosis through symptom recognition.
On Sunday, November 2, the Foundation’s major national awareness and fundraising event, the National Race to End Women’s Cancer 5K, takes place in Washington, DC. Register, donate, sponsor or learn more here.
The Foundation for Women’s Cancer is dedicated to raising funds for research and training, and increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. Visit foundationforwomenscancer.org.
