How to Prevent Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, sometimes referred to as uterine sarcoma, is a disease that affects the muscle and supporting tissues of a woman's uterus. To date, the exact cause of uterine cancer has yet to be determined, but doctors and scientists have discovered several key risk factors. Finding out if you're at risk and discovering the steps you can take to help prevent the disease are critical to maintaining a cancer-free existence.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet connection

Instructions

Become Familiar With Uterine Cancer Risk Factors

1. Find out the details of your family's medical history. Cancer has been shown to be somewhat hereditary, so this is a critical risk factor.

2. Learn about the primary risk factors associated with uterine cancer. Top triggers include previous pelvic radiation therapy, race (African-American women are twice as likely to develop the disease), obesity, some forms of hormone therapy and infertility.

3. Find out which preexisting health issues can also cause uterine cancer. Examples include diabetes, early menstruation (before age 12) and delayed menopause (after age 52).

Help Prevent Uterine Cancer With Healthy Lifestyle Choices

1. Realize that there are no surefire ways to prevent uterine cancer. You can only take steps to aid your overall health, but there are no guarantees.

2. Work hard to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle full of nutritious foods and regular exercise. It's been proven that individuals who are active have a much lower risk of contracting any form of cancer.

3. Consider halting the usage of birth control and other hormone therapies, as these have been associated with uterine cancer.

Tips & Warnings

• It's your right to know every detail regarding your health status and condition. If you have questions about a diagnosis, ask for further information or a referral to a specialist.

• Other pelvic cancers can increase the risk of contracting uterine cancer. Ask your doctor if need clarification on any diseases you have been diagnosed with.

• If you're experiencing depression, stress or anxiety over a cancer diagnosis and you're finding it harder to cope, get professional help. Therapy does not indicate weakness, and can help keep you strong both physically and emotionally.

• Don't wait for any abnormal symptoms to become severe before seeking treatment. If you're experiencing pain, blood loss or any other unexplainable issues, tell your doctor right away.