The most common postmenopausal cancers are breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. Their symptoms are easy to overlook, because they often hide under hot flashes, sleep disturbances, apathy or nervousness, which are very annoying. That is why it is so important to undergo regular examinations and not forget about visits to the gynecologist.
In the perimenopausal period, the most common cancers are breast cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Why do they appear at this time and can they be prevented? The menopause and the so-called perimenopausal period can be different for every woman. Some women do not have any ailments, while others struggle with various mental and physical problems on a daily basis, which make their functioning extremely difficult. It is important that during the menopause - regardless of how it proceeds - you should still remember about follow-up visits to the gynecologist.
- Many menopausal women forget about it. This is a huge mistake, because even if a woman no longer has periods, it does not exempt her from performing preventive examinations. Over the years, the concentration of sex hormones changes and the exposure to oncogenic factors increases. This may result in an increased risk of certain malignancies, such as cancer of the breast, endometrium and ovaries. Only a comprehensive he alth assessment allows in a greater percentage of cases to recognize a malignant neoplasm at an early stage of its advancement, thus increasing the chance for more effective treatment - emphasizes Prof. Beata Śpiewankiewicz, Head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic at the Medicover Hospital.
The infamous top 3 postmenopausal cancers
According to epidemiological data, the most common malignant neoplasm in women in developed countries in the perimenopausal period is breast cancer. The risk of developing it is related, among others, to a mutation in the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, and it is also increased by the fact that the woman did not give birth at all or gave birth to her first child after the age of thirty. Although this cancer is rightly worrying, it is worth knowing that it is possible to detect it early - all thanks to the availability of the breast gland for direct observation and easy self-examination.
- Particular attentionYou should pay attention to the difference in the size of the breasts, previously absent, their different mobility when lifting the arms, changes in the nipple area or the appearance of abnormal discharge, drawing the skin on the bust, as well as the presence of lumps or enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit - says Prof. . Beata Śpiewankiewicz.
After menopause, it is worth taking to heart the rule: "Even if I am not worried about anything, I have to see a gynecologist at least once a year and have a mammogram every two years".
Another common malignant neoplasm in peri and postmenopausal women is endometrial cancer (it is estimated that only 10-15% of cases are diagnosed under the age of 40). Among the factors increasing the risk of the disease, apart from genetic burden, there are mentioned, among others, the lack of offspring, polycystic ovary syndrome, obesity, diabetes and arterial hypertension. - In 90% of situations, the first clinical sign of endometrial cancer is abnormal uterine bleeding. Therefore, in any case of postmenopausal bleeding, even in the form of spotting, you should immediately visit a gynecologist and perform ultrasound of the reproductive organs and specialist examinations ordered by the doctor - advises prof. Beata Śpiewankiewicz.
The infamous top three of the so-called malignant growths of female genitalia are closed by ovarian cancer. He is called the "silent killer of women" because he develops asymptomatically for a long time. Only at the stage of high advancement of the disease, symptoms such as a feeling of pressure in the abdominal cavity, flatulence, indigestion, loss of appetite, enlarged abdominal circumference or sudden urge to urinate appear. The lack of a prophylactic program that would allow for an effective diagnosis of early ovarian cancer obliges all women to undergo regular preventive gynecological examinations. Particular vigilance should be exercised by women with a family history of this cancer, as well as by women with a confirmed BRCA mutation.
Prophylaxis not only at the doctor's
Regular preventive examinations is a very important issue, but not the only one that should be taken into account in cancer prevention. Doctors emphasize that there are many factors that, in combination with the perimenopausal period, may increase the risk of developing oncological problems. They indicate here, inter alia, a high-fat diet and obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption. So if we want to reduce the risk of falling ill, it is also worth taking care of keeping he althylifestyle.
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