Womb cancer surge warning

Friday April 6th, 2012

Growing rates of obesity may have triggered in increase in cases of a women's cancer, researchers warned yesterday.

The number of women dying every year from cancer of the womb has increased by about 400 since the turn of the century, according to figures from Cancer Research UK.

The number of deaths every year is about 1,900 - a 20 per cent increase.

It is the second cancer recently to be linked to obesity. Last week the charity linked growing rates of kidney cancer to the problem.

The number of women who contract the disease has also risen sharply - by more than 40 per cent, it said.

Death rates from the disease had been falling because of improved diagnosis and treatment - but the increasing number of patients means the number of deaths has now increased.

Professor Jonathan Ledermann, of Cancer Research UK, said: “It’s hugely troubling that more women are dying from womb cancer, but we shouldn’t let this cloud the fact that the chances of surviving the disease are still better than ever."

Sara Hiom, of Cancer Research UK, said: “Maintaining a healthy bodyweight can halve a woman’s risk of womb cancer and is one of the best ways to protect against the disease.

"Women should also be aware of the symptoms of womb cancer which include abnormal vaginal bleeding – especially for post-menopausal women - abdominal pain and pain during sex."

Sharon Robinson, aged 56, from London, told how she survived diagnosis with the disease.

She said: "Being told I had cancer was terrifying, as I knew it meant having my womb removed followed by weeks of radiotherapy. But in the end it was all worth it because here I am today cancer free.

"It’s so important that women who have symptoms like bleeding after the menopause go to their doctor without delay, as spotting cancer early save lives."

Tags: Cancer | Diet & Food | Fitness | UK News | Women’s Health & Gynaecology

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