Recent figures suggest that there has been an alarming increase of womb cancer in women, in almost 30 years, from 13 per 100,000 in the year 1975 to more than 19 per 100,000. A recent survey by experts at Cancer Research UK shows that more than 7530 women every year are found to be suffering from womb cancer compared to 4813 in 1993. In fact, it is the fourth most common type of cancer in women claiming 1741 lives in 2008. It has also turned out to be the second fastest growing cancer in women lacking only behind malignant melanoma skin cancer. The main reasons for this increase are believed to be the rise in the number of obese and childless women.
About 30-50% of womb cancer cases involve obese women. The imbalance in oestrogen and progesterone hormones can possibly lead to womb cancer. Therefore, women are advised to maintain a healthy weight, more importantly after menopause so as to avoid cancer. Women aged 60-79 are found to more prone to this disease. The number of cases in this age group has almost doubled in number since 1975 when the average was 40 in every 100,000 to over 75 in every 100,000 in 2007.
According to Sara Hiom, Director of Health Information at Cancer Research UK, women should be educated and well-informed about the symptoms of womb cancer like vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain and pain during sex. Though these symptoms are common even for other types of illnesses, it is worthwhile to get diagnosed before the problem reaches higher levels.
Sara Hiom also adds that “These figures show that we’re still seeing a year on year rise in the number of women diagnosed with womb cancer and more needs to be done to tackle this. Women can reduce their risk of developing the disease by keeping a healthy weight, taking regular exercise and reducing the amount of alcohol they drink.”
Source:
http://www.nursingtimes.net/whats-new-in-nursing/news-topics/public-health/obesity-linked-to-womb-cancer-rise/5017506.article
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by on 23. Jul, 2010 in Health News
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