The signs of common cancer that you might notice when you go to the bathroom – and it affects 460 Irish women each year

The Irish Sun

4 days ago

If you experience any symptoms you should speak to your GP
STAY AWARE The signs of common cancer that you might notice when you go to the bathroom – and it affects 460 Irish women each year
SOME 460 Irish women are diagnosed with womb cancer every year.
The womb, where the baby grows during pregnancy, can be affected by cancer.
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Womb cancer affects 460 Irish women a year
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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One of the symptoms is a lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones (pelvis)
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You may also see a change to your vaginal discharge
The most common type is endometrial cancer, which occurs in the lining of the womb.
Treatment depends on a number of factors, including how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.
There are a range of symptoms to keep an eye out for and you may notice some signs when you go to the bathroom.
These include bleeding or spotting from the vagina after menopause, heavy periods that are unusual for you, vaginal bleeding between your periods and a change to your vaginal discharge.
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A lump or swelling in your tummy or between your hip bones (pelvis), pain in your lower back or between your hip bones, pain during sex and blood in your pee are some of the other signs to watch out for.
You should speak to your GP if you have any symptoms of womb cancer.
But the symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions, so it is not a given that it is cancer - but it's important to get them checked.
Womb cancer treatment is most effective when the condition is caught early.
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When you see your GP, you will be asked about your health, family medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing.
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You should also inform them if you or your family have any history of cancer or Lynch syndrome.
At the appointment, your GP may:
feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)
feel inside your bottom (anus)
gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina to look at your cervix
They may also ask to check your tummy to feel for any lumps or changes in size or shape.
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If they think you need more tests, they may refer you to a specialist.
If you have certain systems, it may be an urgent referral - but again, it does not mean you have cancer.
Anyone with a womb can get womb cancer, but it usually happens after menopause in women over 50.
It is not known what causes womb cancer, though certain things can increase your chances of getting it.
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These include a high level of oestrogen, which may occur if you are overweight, take some types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
You may also have a higher chance of getting womb cancer if you have:
never given birth
diabetes
gone through menopause after age 55
a family history of bowel, ovarian or womb cancer
Lynch syndrome - a genetic condition that increases your chances of getting some cancers
taken medicines like Tamoxifen (used to treat breast cancer)
had radiotherapy on your pelvis
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You cannot always prevent womb cancer, though there are things that can be done to lower the chances, including:
make sure you're a healthy weight
stay active and do regular exercise
have a healthy diet and cut down on alcohol
talk to your GP about contraception that may lower your chance of getting womb cancer
talk to your GP about which HRT is best for you, if you are thinking about taking HRT
Tests to see if you have womb cancer can include:
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an ultrasound scan of your womb (transvaginal scan) - this is where a small scanning device is inserted into your vagina
a biopsy - the doctor takes cells from the lining of your womb and gets them tested in a laboratory
a hysteroscopy - a small telescope called a hysteroscope is used to examine the inside of your womb
blood tests
You should get the results within a few weeks, but if it takes longer it does not mean anything is wrong.
Surgery is the main type of treatment if it is found early, but it will depend on the size of the cancer, where it is, if it has spread and your general health.
You may need more than one type of treatment - and other types include radiotherapy and cancer medicines.
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You may get pain in your lower back or between your hip bones
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One of the symptoms you may see is heavy periods that are unusual for you