Uterine cancer usually starts in the endometrium and is caused by an excess of estrogen, while cervical cancer starts in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the cervix and is caused by the human papillomavirus. Uterine cancer is more common and often diagnosed early, while cervical cancer is usually not diagnosed until it has spread. Risk factors for uterine cancer include age, diabetes, obesity, infertility, and infrequent menstruation, while poor economic status and compromised immune systems are risk factors for cervical cancer.
Cancer of the uterus and cervix are different in many ways, including their causes. Another difference between uterine and cervical cancer is their location within the female body. Uterine cancer is sometimes referred to as endometrial cancer or cancer of the tissue lining the inside of the uterus because it usually starts in the endometrium. Cervical cancer also starts in the uterus, but in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. Uterine cancer is about three times more common than cervical cancer and is more likely to be diagnosed early.
The factors that appear to cause uterine and cervical cancer differ. Doctors have found that uterine cancer occurs more frequently in women who have an excess of estrogen, which is a reproductive hormone. The extra estrogen can cause the lining of the uterus to thicken and cancer cells to grow. Uterine cancer is usually found in its early stages, through a routine Papanicolaou test, or Pap smear, and can therefore be treated and cured.
Cervical cancer is usually caused by a viral infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual intercourse. Women who started having intercourse at a young age, who have had several sexual partners, or who have sex without using a condom are at a higher risk of contracting HPV and developing cervical cancer. Abnormal cervical cells can be detected through regular Pap smears and medical exams.
The symptoms of uterine and cervical cancer are also different. Symptoms of uterine cancer can include abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause, pain, or unexpected weight loss. Cervical cancer often isn’t diagnosed until it’s advanced, because many patients don’t experience any symptoms until the cancer has spread. As cervical cancer progresses, it causes abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Women between the ages of 60 and 70 are more likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer. Diabetes, obesity, infertility, and infrequent menstruation can increase a woman’s risk of uterine cancer. Poor economic status can be a risk factor for cervical cancer. Women who cannot afford regular exams and Pap smears are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Those with compromised immune systems also have a higher risk of getting cervical cancer.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
