What Causes Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is also known as cancer of endometrium or uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer causes focus mainly on the prime risk factors or elements that result into cancerous development in the endometrial areas. Endometrium is the area covering lining of uterus and is closely placed to productive organs of the body. The disease develops mainly in the uterine area and occurs only in females.

Endometrial Cancer Causes in Detail

Endometrial cancer needs to be tackled in initial stages to avoid unnecessary damage to uterus and other areas in future. The disease develops quite slowly in initial stages and affects only the surface tissues of endometrium. Majority of fatalities from the disorder occur due to lack of endometrial cancer detection in initial phases. Pattern of lifestyle and dietary habits also influence development of cancerous tumors in endometrium to a great extent and help malignant cells to progress from one stage to another with much ease.

Person suffering or suffered from endometrial or other cancers like that of breast, bladder, colon, abdomen, vagina, ovary, and lungs are highly vulnerable to endometrial cancer. Such people are usually low on immune system as various healthy cells and tissues suffer from severe damage or death during cancer treatment in past. Those who have undergone faulty pattern of endometrial cancer treatment or have not taken proper post-treatment precautions are also at high risk of being infected by cancerous tumors in uterus.

Uterine cancer can also be caused due to genetic factors. Family history of endometrial cancer is another important endometrial cancer cause. Those having such history should undergo regular medical tests to trace cell abnormality in endometrial areas. The disease is more common in women above 50 years. Thus, regular medical tests right from the age of 40-45 years can help in early detection of abnormal growth and prevent the polyps from turning malignant.

Women who undergo irregular menstrual cycles frequently and those who have started with their periods in very early age (under 12 years) have high chances of suffering from endometrial cancer. Late menopause is also another major endometrial cancer cause and is a serious concern in females above 50 years of age.

Women who have never been pregnant or are infertile may get infected by endometrial cancer much easier than those who have been pregnant at least once in their lifetime. Breast cancer is one of the highest occurring cancers in females and needs to be treated at the earliest. Thus, many females consume a medical drug called tamoxifen to treat the disorder. It may lead to severe side-effects if taken without proper medical supervision and is also an important cause of endometrial cancer.

Some women may suffer from unusually high levels of estrogen. Such levels need to be balanced well by correct use of progesterone under thorough medical advice. People who fail to maintain proper estrogen levels are highly vulnerable to cancer of endometrium.

Endometrial hyperplasia is another risk factor wherein the cells present in the endometrium are in excess to the necessary numbers and may instigate cell abnormality in the region. Diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and improper hygiene in the uterine areas are some of the other indirect risk factors leading to endometrial or uterine cancer. Ulcers and infections in the endometrial region that generally does not heal by normal medicines should be tested for presence of abnormal cell-growth.  

Endometrial cancer causes are varied and may cause different form of impact on different victims. Their intensity mainly depends upon the status of immune system of the victim.