There are several factors which may increase a woman's risk of developing uterine cancer. Estrogen replacement therapy used for symptoms of menopause, to prevent osteoporosis or to reduce heart disease and stroke also may be linked to uterine cancer. However, many women who still have a uterus are prescribed both an estrogen and progesterone as hormone replacement therapy, a combination which actually reduces the risk of endometrial cancer. Scientists believe that overweight women and their higher estrogen rates put them at higher risk for uterine cancer, as do diabetes and high blood pressure. Having survived other cancers, particularly colon, rectal or breast cancer, may have the unfortunate side-effect of putting women at higher risk for uterine cancer, as may the breast cancer treatment drug Tamoxifen.
White women have a greater chance of developing uterine cancer than black women.
The most common symptoms of the disease include vaginal bleeding, pain during urination or intercourse and pelvic pain. Post-menopausal bleeding is a common symptom. There may be other signs. Only a doctor will know for sure. Women should report any unusual symptoms to their doctor.