Uterine Cancer: Preventable 60 Percent of the Time

Did you know that uterine cancer can be very easily prevented? According to studies, daily exercise, healthy diet and drinking coffee every day will help.

Reports published by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund state that thirty minutes of daily exercise – combined with a diet low in saturated fats – can prevent almost 59% of endometrial cancer in women.

In the United States, endometrial cancer is the most frequent type of uterine cancer and it is the fourth most common in women (after breast, lung, and colon cancer). There is a less common type of womb cancer called uterine sarcoma. These two types of cancer represent 6% of the cancers that women are most likely to develop and occur most frequently in the female reproductive system.

What do the scientists say?

Upon reviewing the data from the studies conducted by the previously mentioned institutions, researchers concluded that ‘proper choices in the food that you eat every day are key to keeping cancer out of your body’. Coffee was included in the research and is one factor in this dietary equation. If you drink one cup of coffee per day, you can reduce by 7% your risk of developing either of these cancers. Conversely, if you eat a lot of sugary or processed foods, your risk is considerably increased.

Why this happens

Experts believe that endometrial cancer has a direct effect upon the functions of some hormones like oestrogen and insulin, which, in turn, have a close relationship with excess fat and obesity. It’s for this reason that regular physical exercise is recommended. This will help to establish a healthy weight, reducing oestrogen and insulin levels and, thus, strengthening your immune and digestive systems.

Coffee contains antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which can prevent damage to your DNA. Its unique composition means that it can notably improve sensitivity to insulin and can prevent glucose being absorbed by the intestine. Because an increased glycaemic index increases your risk of developing endomitrial cancer, you should avoid all foods that raise it.

Do you know the symptoms?

Be aware of the following symptoms, which can forewarn you of the presence of endometrial cancer:

• Vaginal bleeding occurring after menopause
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic pain
• Painful sex

Some women may experience significant, unexplained weight loss – but do bear in mind that this can be a symptom of other diseases and is not necessarily indicative of cancer. Nevertheless, always err on the side of caution. See your GP i f you have any of these symptoms! He or she can ensure that you get the proper tests and analyses that will rule out or confirm the diagnosis.