Following several sessions of chemotheraphy, Nollywood actress Ify Onwuemene died on May 25 of endometrial cancer.
Below are things you should know about the disease:
Endometrial cancer is the result of the abnormal growth of cells in the uterus (womb) that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Its first sign is mostly abnormal vaginal bleeding coupled with urination, pain during sexual intercourse, or pelvic pain.
Endometrial cancer occurs most commonly after menopause.
This type of cancer is also associated with excessive estrogen (sex hormone) exposure, high blood pressure and diabetes.
An estimated 40 per cent of cases are thought to be related to obesity. Women with a family history of endometrial cancer are at higher risk.
The disease is highly curable in its early, symptomatic stages. However, women, particularly menopausal ones, should be aware of the symptoms and risk factors.
Smoking and the use of progestin are both protective against endometrial cancer. It depends greatly on recommendation.
The initial treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery; 90 per cent of women with it are treated with some form of surgery. This can be followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy in cases of high-risk or high-grade cancers.
There is low awareness of the symptoms of endometrial cancer which can lead to later diagnosis and less chance of survival.
