Womb Cancer 'Really Hitting The Pacific And Māori Communities', NZ Biologist Says
Susana Suisuiki, Pacific Waves Presenter/Producer
Christina Persico, RNZ Pacific Bulletin Editor
A University of Auckland biologist working on less invasive tests for womb cancer (or endometrial cancer) says studies suggest that one of its causes is higher weight or metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
The number of diagnoses of the disease in New Zealand has risen from 600 a decade ago to around 750 a year.
Māori and Pasifika women have some of the highest rates of womb cancer in the world.
Researchers say younger New Zealand women are now being diagnosed with womb cancer, which previously struck after menopause. It is occurring in women aged 30 to 40 and is particularly prevalent in Māori and Pasifika populations.
"We need to do a bit more work and to have a look at the numbers," Dr Cherie Blenkiron told Pacific Waves.
"But the studies that are out there suggest that is really one of the main causes...particularly in New Zealand, for the increased number of people who are being diagnosed each year.
"Unfortunately, that really is hitting the Pacific and Māori communities."
She said there have been "really tight studies" that have shown that one of the causes is higher weight or metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
"What they've shown in these trials overseas is if you treat and you manage those conditions better, then you reduce the likelihood of those women developing endometrial cancer."
However, Dr Blenkiron said it is a type of cancer that can be removed if found early.
Symptoms can include cramping and abnormal bleeding or spotting.
"You know your body perfectly well, so if there's any change in in bleeding, then really do get it checked out by your GP.
"Women will present with symptoms, and that really means that if they act on those symptoms...we can pick up the cancer early, we can treat it early, and this is a type of cancer that can be cured very easily with surgery or really limited forms of drugs."
The new screening tests the university is working on aim to do move away from "quite nasty" biopsies and to minimally invasive tests, Dr Blenkiron said.
"We're looking for molecules, for example, in the blood or in little biopsies. Or one of the projects that we're doing is looking for swabs. So taking self swabs, much like have been done in cervical cancer," she said.
"So blood tests, swab tests - much easier to take and much more painless.
"What we do with these tests is to first, hopefully, pick up the cancer earlier. So these would be screening tests.
"And second to pick the right medicine or the right treatment for each patient," she added.
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