Endometrial Cancer: Signs And Symptoms

The endometrium- one of the most essential parts of the female reproductive system that plays a significant role during the menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy. The endometrium is made up mostly of mucosal tissue. This stellar part of the female reproductive system acts as the wallpaper or lining of the uterus or womb. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ that houses the growing fetus. Abnormalities of the endometrium may lead to concerns such as endometriosis, hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer. In this blog, we are going to discuss in detail about endometrial cancer. The specifics that we are going to be looking at are what are the signs of endometrial cancer, endometrial cancer symptoms, and endometrial tumor symptoms.

What Is The First Sign Of Endometrial Cancer?

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Endometrial cancer also known as endometrial carcinoma or uterine cancer starts in the cells of the inner lining of the endometrium. The lining of the uterus may thicken in certain places. These thicknesses may form a mass of tissue called a tumor. This is the most common type of cancer in the uterus. Endometrial cancer symptoms, endometrial tumor symptoms, and endometrial cancer signs can be different for different people. But, to answer what is the first sign of endometrial cancer, about 90% of people who are diagnosed with endometrial cancer have abnormal vaginal bleeding. To understand what exactly is abnormal vaginal bleeding, let’s see the other endometrial cancer symptoms and the various signs of endometrial cancer.

Read: Cancer Symptoms And Causes: Getting the basics right

What Are The Signs Of Endometrial Cancer?

Vaginal bleeding is common in females during their reproductive age as it is a part of the monthly menstrual cycle. However, abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most significant endometrial cancer signs. If your periods change dramatically, that is, if they become heavier or last longer, or if you experience bleeding between periods or after you go through menopause, this can be a matter of concern. However, these signs cannot always be endometrial cancer symptoms, so it is always advisable to see a medical professional before coming to any conclusion. Having said that, let’s see what are the other most common or rare endometrial cancer symptoms that are seen in people suffering from endometrial cancer.

 Read: 8 Common Cancer Myths Debunked

What Are Some Common Endometrial Cancer Symptoms?

According to the American Cancer Society, non-bloody vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and feeling a mass in your pelvic area which can be an endometrial tumor symptom or unexplained weight loss are some of the endometrial cancer symptoms. Also, some other endometrial cancer symptoms can be: 

• Difficult or painful urination. 

• An enlarged uterus, which is detectable during a pelvic exam.

• Pain during intercourse.

• Unexpected weight loss.

• Weakness and pain in the lower abdomen, back, or legs.

It is extremely important to note that any of these symptoms do not necessarily have to be considered endometrial cancer symptoms. These can come up due to reasons other than cancer as well. Hence, it is important to get yourself checked by the doctor. 

What If One Is Diagnosed With Endometrial Cancer?

While the diagnosis of any form of cancer can be extremely scary and nerve-wracking, it is important to know that endometrial cancer is one of the most common forms of uterine cancer and is highly curable depending on the stage in which it is diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society, when diagnosed early (at stage 0), the five-year survival rate for treated endometrial cancer is 96%. However, the economic burden that comes with any form of cancer is something that needs to be addressed. 

Read: Be a GEM- Help Patients in India Fight Cancer

Can Cancer Patients In India Afford Costly Cancer Treatments?

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Despite India having seen remarkable progress in the medical field for research, medicines, and diagnosis, especially with regard to cancer treatment, around 8.5 lakh people died due to cancer in 2020 alone. One of the primary reasons for this is the unaffordability of cancer treatment by the majority of the population. Research conducted on cancer in India published in the Asian Pacific Journal Of Cancer Prevention revealed a shocking statistic that 18% of cancer patients said that they have knowingly delayed medical treatment even after being diagnosed, due to financial barriers. Around 76% faced financial problems while undergoing cancer treatment. 

In such a situation, the question that arises is- how can a patient access timely medical treatment without facing any financial hardship? 

Fighting Cancer Through Medical Crowdfunding!

In the last few decades, many new financial solutions have emerged that are more practical, easily available, and accessible even to the poor. Among them, the one that is increasing in popularity not only in India but also across the world is - Medical Crowdfunding. Medical crowdfunding is the practice of supporting a medical cause by raising money from a relatively large number of people where each person contributes a small amount as per their ability. As India’s leading medical crowdfunding platform, ImpactGuru has supported various online cancer fundraisers by connecting potential donors to those in need. 

If you or someone you know are struggling to afford expensive cancer treatment costs, start a free fundraiser on ImpactGuru and raise funds for cancer expenses today!