Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is formed within the cells of the endometrium, which is the fine inner lining of the uterus. The uterus is located in the pelvic area and resembles the shape of a papaya or a pear.

90% of all uterine cancers occur in the endometrium; plus this is the third most common cancer among women.

Medical professionals claim that they do not know what causes this cancer, but the evidence seems to point to having been exposed to too much estrogen over a long period of time.

Estrogen is a female hormone which is produced by the ovaries. The ovaries also produce another hormone which is called progesterone. These two hormones should be in balance, but some women seem to produce more estrogen, and so they are at a higher risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Usually this cancer only affects women after menopause, but younger women can also be affected. Endometrial cancer is treatable if caught in the early stages. A pap smear will not detect this cancer, so it is up to the individual to watch for symptoms.

Most symptoms will occur at an early enough stage to be effectively treated. Some of the symptoms associated with Endometrial cancer are:

Bleeding or spotting beginning at 12 months after menopause, (this is usually the first sign).

Bleeding between periods in pre-menopausal women.

Bleeding after intercourse.

Weight loss.

Fatigue.

Trouble urinating.

Pelvic pain, (although it is rare).

Pain during intercourse.

Some women have a higher risk at developing endometrial cancer, simply because they have been exposed to too much estrogen.

Overweight and Obesity: Obese women are three times more at risk, and over weight women are two times more at risk for developing endometrial cancer. This is because fat tissues also produce estrogen.

High fat diet: A high fat diet of animal proteins and fried foods also puts women at a higher risk.

Ovarian tumors: Tumors in the ovaries also increase the levels of estrogen.

Diabetes: Women who are diabetic are at a higher risk to develop endometrial cancer. This includes women who are overweight as well as those who are within a normal weight.

Age: Women after menopause are 4 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer, and those ages 55 and older are at highest risk.

Estrogen-only Replacement Therapy: Women who receive this therapy are 12 times more likely to develop endometrial cancer. This is a therapy usually given during or after menopause where estrogen is given without progesterone. Progesterone is needed to balance the estrogen, and when estrogen levels are too high it can cause endometrial cancer. And even though both hormones are given it can lead to other health problems and even cause breast cancer.

Breast, or ovarian cancer: Those who have had breast or ovarian cancer in the past are also at a higher risk.

Tamoxifen: This is a drug used to treat breast cancer, and it has been known to make the endometrium to grow.

Irregular period: Women who do not ovulate on a regular basis are exposed to high amounts of estrogen for longer periods of time, thus increasing their risks.

Menstruated for more years: Those who had their period at an early age (before the age of 12), and had a late menopause (after the age of 52), are at a greater risk.

Women who have never been pregnant.

Women who received pelvic radiation in the past.

Endometrial polyps or other growths of the endometrium.

High blood pressure, hypertension and gallbladder disease.

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are used to treat endometrial cancer in conventional medicine. The stage of the cancer determines what kind of treatment is suitable. If surgery is necessary, one can have a partial hysterectomy, (where only the uterus is removed), or one can have a total hysterectomy, (where the ovaries and tubes are also removed).  

There are many natural treatments available as well, and have proven to be just as effective. Chinese medicines, or Botanical, which is also known as Herbalism are very effective by using herbs and herbal extracts. Herbs help to restore the body's immune system so that it is better able to fight the cancer.

There are also home remedies which can be administered at home. Some of these include drinking spearmint tea. Simply boil 10-12 leaves in a cup of water and drink it every day.

By taking 2 tsp of flaxseed oil every day, one can eliminate the symptoms of endometrial cancer in as little as six months.

Foods rich in beta-carotene help to reduce the symptoms of endometrial cancer by helping to get rid of free radicals in the body. Foods rich in beta-carotene are carrots, spinach, apricots, parsley, oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

A change in the diet is also necessary in order to be healed. All animal fats and proteins should be avoided as well as processed and most cooked foods. Sugar should be avoided at all costs, because this is the food that cancer cells thrive on, and if no sugar is supplied, then the cancer cells will begin to die.

A raw plant-based diet is essential in order to live a long and healthy life; plants help the body to stay clean on the inside so that no disease can come in and take over.